the refusal to comply and the use of firearms by the police on the rise

These are spectacular and violent scenes. Refusals to comply, as near Lille (North): a driver flees a control, backs up, knocks down police officers who retaliate with their service weapon. A crime with sometimes dramatic consequences. Ibrahim, a policeman, is a miracle. Two years ago in the middle of the night, a routine check escalated in a fraction of a second. The toll is heavy: fractures, bruises, and always physical and psychological after-effects.

Since then, the driver has been sentenced to five years in prison, including three firm. He wanted to flee because he didn’t have a driver’s license. These refusals to comply have become a major fear for law enforcement, and they are increasing. Last year, there were 26,320, or one every 20 minutes. Police use of firearms is also on the rise. Shootings still necessary, according to a police unionist. The increase in shootings would also be explained by a new law: since 2017, the police can shoot, either in self-defense, or to protect other people or defend a place.