Racism in the French police: the institution forced to reform

Anger is raging against racism in the police in the United States. It also rumbles in France. The death of George Floyd on May 25 in Minneapolis, smothered under the knee of a police officer, has put the burning issue of racism in the ranks of law enforcement at the heart of the debate. A debate that is spreading around the world and especially in France. 

>> Read: Police violence: under pressure, Emmanuel Macron calls on the government to act quickly

Faced with the multiplication of demonstrations against racism in the police, in particular the June 2 rally in Paris which brought together more than 20,000 people to demand justice in the Adama Traoré case and the new revelations on racist remarks made by the police on Facebook or WhatsApp, Emmanuel Macron decided to react. 

According to the Elysee Palace, the head of state met on Sunday June 7 with Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and asked him to quickly make proposals to him to respond to the demands expressed. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner also made a number of proposals to this effect on Monday 8 June. 

The Elysée is reviewing all its security procedures in preparation for an autumn marked by demonstrations, in particular yellow vests, we learned from a military source. "The confinement had made it possible to begin this review of the procedures". pic.twitter.com/MJNxWRpFF8

In the police, "racism has always existed" 

But such concerns come very late, says historian Carole Reynaud-Paligot. "There is a notable lack of reaction from the government. It is very disappointing, we expected a lot. Macron has raised hopes, but one can imagine that the electoral concerns and the concern to spare the police force have taken over. " In general, "governments tend to be sparing of the police, hence the very timid statements on these delicate subjects", continues the sociologist. 

Because "racism in the police has always existed", abounds Julien Tapin, researcher at the CNRS in an interview with France 24. But the advent of social networks, the emergence of video and continuous media have more highlighted. The severe repression during the Labor Law in 2016 and the crisis of yellow vests have really helped to bring out the problem. " 

Some police officers and union representatives say nothing else. "In the police, racism is expressed in several forms", explains in turn Noam Anouar, union delegate Vigi, author of the book "France must know". First internally, in the form of insults, jokes between agents. "Do not believe that it only exists in the brigades of peacekeepers. It is present at all levels and in particular at the top of the hierarchy."

I had announced the existence of a second Fb group of racist police officers, and I was right. @CCastaner you will soon be challenged with the implementation of your comments.

"Systemic racism that stifles the population"

Racism is also exercised externally, against the public during identity checks, road checks, in empowerment investigations to enter the police, according to Noam Anouar. These investigations are not carried out in the same way depending on the origins of the applicant, according to the police officer. Racism also intrudes into the codaf (departmental anti-fraud operational committees). These controls of businesses are aimed more at pizzerias, kebabs, working class neighborhoods than breweries in beautiful neighborhoods, according to the unionist. "There is real systemic racism in the police that is suffocating the population." However, Christophe Castaner gave it in his speech on Monday, he demands "zero tolerance" against racism in the police. 

But "when we try to denounce it, we fall on you at the slightest misstep," said the official who remains under disciplinary action for violating the duty of neutrality after bringing evidence before the IGPN racist comments made in his service. Pending a sanction, he now faces a two-year suspension.  

Solutions exist

There are nevertheless simple measures to put in place to stem the phenomenon, judge Julien Tarpin. "Since it is an institutionalized racism, it is enough to change certain practices to obtain a significant change." The professor recommends in particular the abolition of identity checks. "They do not exist in all countries, and that does not prevent the fight against crime. Besides, many studies have shown that this practice was not effective in the fight against delinquency." 

The IGPN is also questioned. The police are strongly criticized for their lack of independence. "The director of the IGPN is a police official who is accountable to the Interior Ministry, explains Noam Anouar. In these conditions, how do you want there to be transparency when everything goes through the filter of the ministerial cabinet? ". Reason why some argue for the creation of an independent body from civil society. In his speech, Christophe Castaner also invoked the need for greater "independence" of this body.  

#I supportTolice

In the same logic, some observers claim a pluralism of organizations fighting against racism. The CNDS (National Commission for Security Ethics) and the Halde (High Authority against Discrimination and for Equality) have been replaced under a single entity represented by the Defender of Rights (DDD). "But the lack of pluralism is never good," said Noam Anouar. Especially since the reports of the Defenders of Rights, when they exist, are very timid. In any case, their mission is only advisory and not binding. " 

Finally, many police officers recommend the return of local police to resume dialogue, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods. "The police cannot work only by exercising only their repressive power, insists Julien Tarpin. We must also maintain and develop spaces for dialogue and exchange".

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