A Brief History of the Gendarmerie in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon

The history of the Gendarmerie in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a complex one, marked by frequent changes to its size and composition due to various factors such as economic conditions, administrative decisions, and technological advancements.

Early Years (1906-1925)

In 1906, the gendarme was removed from Langlade, reducing the total number of gendarmes in Saint-Pierre to 8.
In 1910, corporal Adolphe Mauffroy took command, and the size of the capital was reduced by three gendarmes, leaving one sergeant, one corporal, and five gendarmes on Saint-Pierre.

Expansion and Reorganization (1925-1957)

By 1925, the Gendarmerie consisted of a staff of eleven: one warrant officer and eight gendarmes on Saint-Pierre, one gendarme on Miquelon, and one gendarme on Île-aux-Chiens.
In 1934, the contingent consisted of one chief warrant officer or warrant officer, one staff sergeant, and five gendarmes on Saint-Pierre, one gendarme on Miquelon, and one gendarme on Langlade (restored in 1943).
By 1957, the Section of Gendarmerie of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon was formed, with a strength of 13: one chief warrant officer, two staff sergeants, and ten gendarmes.

Modernization and Growth (1965-2002)

In 1965, the Company of Gendarmerie of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon was created, with 70 mobile gendarmes arriving in Saint-Pierre to create strong feelings among the local population.
By 1980, the company had increased in size to a total of thirty-two men, with the position of lieutenant replaced by a captain.
As of 2002, the Company of Gendarmerie of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon comprised a headquarters, two territorial brigades, one investigation brigade, and a total of 45 personnel.

Contemporary Era (1997-2023)

In 1997, the territorial brigade was downsized to 13 gendarmes, and 8 gendarmes of the Gendarmerie Maritime deployed with the French Navy patrol boat Fulmar.
As of 2023, the patrol boat Fulmar had a total of 11 personnel assigned to it.

Conclusion

The history of the Gendarmerie in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon reflects the complex relationships between the local population and the French authorities, as well as the changing nature of law enforcement and policing over time.