France Police Number: 17
+33 · Police / Gendarmerie
The police emergency number in France is 17. Operated by Ministère de l'Intérieur. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Police / Gendarmerie
France · Police
📝 Police emergency number 17. Connects to Police Nationale in urban areas or Gendarmerie Nationale in rural areas. Also reachable via 112.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in France
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Police
- • Do not call 15 for minor injuries - visit a general practitioner or SOS Médecins (3624)
- • Do not call 17 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station or use the online reporting system
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable by fines and imprisonment under French law
- • Do not call 18 for controlled agricultural burns unless out of control
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or weather forecasts
✈️ Travel Notes — France
Emergency response is fast and excellent throughout France. SAMU is one of the world's most advanced emergency medical systems. Sapeurs-Pompiers often serve as first responders for medical emergencies. The 114 SMS service is available for deaf users without registration. Mountain rescue (PGHM) is dispatched through 112.
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Police Emergency Service in France — Complete Guide
When traveling to France or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number in France is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for police services in France is 17, which is operated and monitored by Ministère de l'Intérieur. Police emergency number 17. Connects to Police Nationale in urban areas or Gendarmerie Nationale in rural areas. Also reachable via 112.
How to Dial 17 in France
To reach the Police / Gendarmerie in France, dial 17 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in France. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within France using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 17 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in France from an international location, the country calling code is +33.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in France communicate primarily in fr. If you do not speak fr, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 17
When you call the police number in France, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Ministère de l'Intérieur. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (police assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in France
Please note that France utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Police (17), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: European Emergency Number (112), Police / Gendarmerie (17), SAMU Emergency Medical Service (15), Fire Brigade (Sapeurs-Pompiers) (18), Emergency SMS for Deaf and Hearing-Impaired (114). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across France and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 17 is verified against official directories published by Ministère de l'Intérieur. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Police in France
What is the Police number in France? ▼
The Police emergency number in France is 17. Police emergency number 17. Connects to Police Nationale in urban areas or Gendarmerie Nationale in rural areas. Also reachable via 112.
Does 17 work from mobile in France? ▼
Yes, 17 works from all mobile phones in France.
Can I call 17 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 17 free in France? ▼
Yes, calling 17 is free in France. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in France? ▼
The Police service in France is operated by Ministère de l'Intérieur. Source: https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/
What is the difference between 15 and 18 in France? ▼
15 is SAMU for medical emergencies with ambulance response. 18 is the Fire Brigade (Sapeurs-Pompiers) who also serve as first responders for medical emergencies. Both numbers work. 112 connects to both.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card in France? ▼
Yes. All mobile phones can dial 112 without a SIM card. Emergency calls are free.
Are emergency calls free in France? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls to 15, 17, 18, 112, and 114 are free of charge from any phone.
How do deaf or hearing-impaired people contact emergency services? ▼
Dial 114 for emergency SMS service. This service is available 24/7 nationwide without prior registration. Video relay is also available.
Do emergency operators speak English in France? ▼
112 operators generally speak French. In major tourist areas, English-speaking operators are available. 112 can handle calls in multiple European languages.
What is SOS Médecins in France? ▼
SOS Médecins (3624) is a 24/7 service for non-urgent medical home visits. It is not an emergency service. For emergencies, call 15 (SAMU).