Law enforcement in France
（重定向自DCPJ）
![Policemen with motorcycles and a car in Strasbourg.](/Images/godic/202501/08/Manifestation_Taxis_10-01-2013_Strasbourg_04_-_Police_nationale2117.jpg")
![Renault Mégane of the Douanes](/Images/godic/202501/08/Renault_Mégane_Douane_française2117.jpg")
![Vehicle of the municipal police of Strasbourg](/Images/godic/202501/08/Scénic_III_police_municipale_strasbourg-22117.JPG")
![French gendarmes](/Images/godic/202501/08/Gengarmerie_img_10692117.jpg")
Law enforcement in France has a long history dating back to AD 570, when night watch systems were commonplace. Policing is centralized at the national level. Recently, legislation has allowed local governments to hire their own police officers which are called the "police municipale".