👮 Police in France
+33 · Police / Gendarmerie
France Police emergency number is 17. Verified 2026-01. Official source: Ministère de l'Intérieur. One-tap call, works offline.
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
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ 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 France can be critical for safety and 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 Call the Police in France
To reach the Police / Gendarmerie in France, dial 17 from any local telephone network, cellular phone, or public payphone. This emergency number is fully compatible with mobile networks and roaming devices. Calls to this emergency service are free of charge, meaning no prepaid airtime credit or active service plans are required. When dialing, make sure you stay calm, wait for the dispatcher to connect, and clearly speak in the local language or request English translation. State your location, the nature of the emergency, and any injuries immediately.
What to Expect When You Dial 17
When you call the police number in France, you will be connected to a trained operator at Ministère de l'Intérieur. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to coordinate immediate dispatch. If you are a traveler facing a language barrier, remain on the line. Operators have access to translation services or are trained to handle foreign queries to ensure response teams are routed to your exact coordinates.
All Emergency Numbers in France
Please note that France utilizes different emergency lines for distinct situations. 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 European/global emergency contact number 112 is active in France and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Data Source & Verification
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 us 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).