REPORTAGE
This is one of the flagship measures of the state aid plan for Seine-Saint-Denis. The government, which reveals Thursday in Bobigny an aid plan for this department which accumulates significant difficulties, provides a premium of 10,000 euros for public service agents (police, teachers ...) to retain the officials.
Spend five years in the department
The measure, inspired by the report of a Republican deputy, wants to push officials to stay in office longer in the department. "Police officers and teachers are often too young," says an elected representative. "And the investigating judges do not stay long enough to know their case well". These are insufficient elements to ensure the continuity of the public service. To receive this loyalty bonus, the agent must spend at least five years in post in Seine-Saint-Denis. The money will be paid in one go after this period of actual service.
"The announcement of this premium is good news" rejoices Erwan Guermeur, departmental secretary SGP Police Seine Saint-Denis. "Provided it concerns all the police officers who practice in the most criminogenic department of France". His union had long claimed a specific bonus for police 93. But "it will not be enough to retain officers on the territory," he regrets. The other priority, according to him, is "working conditions". "It is not uncommon, in 2019, that a police station is left without an available vehicle, or that the crews do not have a radio to be able to transmit with their station director."
150 additional police officers
The plan, "tailor-made" according to an adviser to the Prime Minister, still provides for the renovation of two police stations: Aulnay-sous-Bois and Epinay-sur-Seine. 150 additional police will also be recruited to handle complaints and proceedings.
But other sectors will also receive help from the state, including health. Several hospitals will be renovated, and doctors will receive help to settle in Seine-Saint-Denis. On the side of the fight against poverty, the government must announce the reinforcement of controls of unhealthy housing. Not enough to meet all the challenges, we recognize Matignon, but a way to "reaffirm the presence of the State" in this department.