A formidable force of 1,750 police officers, gendarmes, and civil security operatives from 44 countries, including 31 European states, are enhancing the French internal security apparatus during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, scheduled from July 26 to August 11. Participating officers from the UK, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, and Germany are part of this international intervention team.

These global and European officers assist France in specialized domains such as explosives detection and foreign visitor security, employing canine and equestrian techniques. Although they play a vital role in maintaining order, these international officers are not permitted to carry weapons due to their lack of judicial authority in France, and thus operate alongside French security forces.

FRANCO-GERMAN COOPERATION

This summer is particularly eventful for France and Germany, with the Euro 2024 football tournament in Germany (June 14-July 14), the Olympic Games (July 26-August 11), and the Paralympic Games (August 28-September 8) in France. The two countries agreed on mutual internal security support in March 2024.

Since 2019, the Franco-German Unit (UOFA) has combined the efforts of around sixty personnel from the French National Gendarmerie and the German Federal Police, focusing on prevention and awareness on both sides of the Rhine. This collaboration represents Europe’s first binational internal security unit.

Starting July 23, 2024, UOFA has been stationed at the Jean-Bouin Stadium in Paris, near the German Olympic House, to provide support and information to fans.