The National Gendarmerie (French: Gendarmerie nationale) is one of France’s two national law enforcement agencies, operating alongside the civilian National Police. Together, these security forces comprise more than 250,000 personnel, with the Gendarmerie itself having a strength of over 100,000 as of 2023.

As a branch of the French Armed Forces, the Gendarmerie operates primarily under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior, while also performing defense and military police duties under the Ministry of Armed Forces. Its territorial jurisdiction covers approximately 96% of France’s land area and 51% of its population, focusing mainly on smaller towns, suburbs, and rural areas. Its responsibilities encompass criminal investigation, cybercrime response, and public order duties like crowd and riot control.

The institution is the direct heir to the medieval Maréchaussée, making it the oldest police force in France. The organization contains several specialized subdivisions and units, including:

• Mobile Gendarmerie (Gendarmerie mobile): Established in its modern form in 1921, this subdivision focuses on maintaining public order, riot control, and general security across France and abroad.
• GIGN (Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale): Founded in 1973, this elite tactical force handles counterterrorism, hostage rescue, surveillance, and the protection of critical sites and government officials.