Since Friday October 13, France has been on “emergency attack” alert. This is the highest level of the Vigipirate plan. New security measures are notably being put in place in educational establishments.
Ban on parking near schools, 7,000 additional soldiers for Operation Sentinel and even messages addressed to all citizens. New security measures have been in force in France since Friday October 13. The country has moved to the maximum alert level of the Vigipirate plan, called “attack emergency”. A government decision after the terrorist attack in a high school in Arras. “This level is in place for a limited period: the time of crisis management”we can read on the website of the Ministry of the Interior.
Increased security around educational establishments
In the event of maximum alert, as at the moment, the head of the establishment may prohibit access to the building to any person whether or not belonging to the school establishment. Another measure which is triggered automatically: parking of vehicles is prohibited near schools, colleges, high schools or even higher education establishments.
The government website points out that these structures are already subject to a security system. In particular, they must carry out three security exercises each year, with priority given to the “intrusion attack” exercise.
Furthermore, the reception of students at the entrance must be ensured by an adult, a visual check of bags can be carried out and the identity of people outside the establishment is systematically checked. Any suspicious behavior or objects must be reported.
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More than 10,000 soldiers mobilized
The highest level of the Vigipirate system also requires exceptional mobilization of resources. The Élysée has already announced that until 7,000 soldiers from the Sentinel force will be deployed in the territory. Around 4,000 additional soldiers will be called in to assist the police and gendarmes in their surveillance missions.
This “emergency attack” level also makes it possible to disseminate information that would help protect citizens in a crisis situation. For example, messages stating “how to react in the event of a new terrorist attack” can be sent. This involves the various institutional websites, the media such as television or radio or even through the Saip application, implemented following the attacks of January and November 2015.
More generally, the Vigipirate system includes around 300 measures, which apply to 13 areas of action, such as transport, health, cybersecurity and even border control.