Research and Intervention Brigade

The Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI), also known as Brigade de Recherche et d’Intervention, is a specialized police force created in France in 1964. The BRI is a unit of the French National Police and comprises officers with expertise in dealing with serious crime, such as organized crime, terrorism, and hostage situations. The BRI operates in metropolitan France, French overseas territories, and protectorates. This article discusses the history, organization, and operations of France’s Research and Intervention Brigade.

History of the Research and Intervention Brigade

The creation of the BRI aimed to address the rise of organized crime and terrorism in France in the 1960s. The French government commissioned the National Police Chief to establish a specialized unit to deal with these crimes. The first BRI unit established in Paris, in December 1964, comprised 15 detectives under the command of Inspector Marcel Leclercq. The unit’s initial success in solving high-profile cases, such as the murder of two lawyers in a single night in 1967, led to the establishment of additional BRI units in other cities across France.

In 1974, the government reorganized the police system and established the Director-General of the National Police (DGPN), who had direct control over the BRI units. The DGPN created a centralized managerial system, and each BRI unit reported directly to the DGPN. In 1995, the BRI gained expanded powers with the creation of the Counter-Terrorism Coordination Unit (UCT), which coordinates counter-terrorism efforts with other French security agencies.

Organization of the Research and Intervention Brigade

The Research and Intervention Brigade comprises highly trained officers specializing in specific criminal investigations, such as armed robberies, hostage-taking, and terrorism. There are currently 10 BRI units based in different cities around France. Each unit has a specialized headquarters and a team of detectives led by a brigade commissioner. The commissioner reports to the DGPN.

BRI officers undergo rigorous training and possess expertise in firearms, explosives, and martial arts. They work in close coordination with other police forces, such as the judicial police, the forensic police, and the anti-terrorist police, depending on the nature of the investigation.

BRI Operations

The Research and Intervention Brigade is responsible for investigating serious and complex crimes, such as armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorist attacks, and hostage-taking. The BRI also intervenes in dangerous situations, such as high-risk arrests or vehicle chases. BRI officers are trained to handle explosive devices and are present at major public events as a preventive measure.

The BRI’s highest-profile intervention took place during the 2015 Paris terrorist attacks. One BRI unit intervened at the Bataclan concert hall, where terrorists had taken hostages. The BRI rescued nearly 100 hostages and killed three terrorists.

Conclusion

The Research and Intervention Brigade is one of France’s most important specialized police forces. Since its inception in 1964, the BRI has tackled serious crime, organized crime, and terrorism in France. The BRI’s expertise in handling complex and dangerous situations has been critical to maintaining national security. The BRI remains an essential tool in the fight against terrorism, and its operations are a crucial aspect of France’s broader security strategy.