The Gendarmerie in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon: A History of Changes

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The Gendarmerie in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon has undergone significant changes in its size and structure over the years. This article provides an overview of these changes, highlighting key events and milestones.

Early Years (1877-1906)

• 1877: The first gendarmes were appointed to the islands, with one sergeant, one corporal, and eight gendarmes on Saint-Pierre.
• 1906: Due to economic collapse, the gendarmerie was reduced in size, leaving one sergeant, one corporal, and five gendarmes on Saint-Pierre, one gendarme on Miquelon, and one gendarme on Langlade.

World War I and Interwar Period (1910-1934)

• 1910: The command changed hands, and the gendarmerie’s strength was reduced further.
• 1925: The official newspaper of the colony reported that the Gendarmerie consisted of a staff of eleven, including a warrant officer and eight gendarmes on Saint-Pierre.

Post-War Period (1934-1965)

• 1934: By decree, the contingent consisted of one chief warrant officer or warrant officer, one staff sergeant, and five gendarmes on Saint-Pierre, with one gendarme on Miquelon.
• 1942: The position on Miquelon was restored, but later removed in 1946.
• 1957: The contingent took the name of “the Section of Gendarmerie of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon” and increased its strength to thirteen, including one chief warrant officer, two staff sergeants, and ten gendarmes.

Modern Era (1965-2023)

• 1965: The section was renamed “the Company of Gendarmerie of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.”
• 1968: The police staffing was increased, with a total of thirty-two men, including a lieutenant, one deputy chief warrant officer, two staff sergeants, and three gendarmes in the Group of the Company Commandant.
• 1980: The position of lieutenant was replaced by a captain.
• 1997: The territorial brigade was downsized to thirteen gendarmes, and eight gendarmes of the Gendarmerie Maritime deployed with the French Navy patrol boat Fulmar.
• 2000: The Miquelon brigade consisted of one warrant officer and two gendarmes.
• 2001: The Company of Gendarmerie of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon was commanded by a lieutenant-colonel to replace a squadron leader.
• 2002: The Gendarmerie comprised the following:
  • Group of the Company Commandant
  • Territorial Brigade of Saint-Pierre
  • Territorial Brigade of Miquelon

Current Situation (2023)

As of 2023, a total of 11 personnel are listed as assigned to the patrol boat Fulmar.