Great power, great responsibilities. Mayor of a small rural town, Dominique Peter reveals the often overlooked realities of his role. Between maintaining order and fighting crime, dive into the heart of the responsibilities and daily challenges of a modern mayor. A true guardian of the safety and well-being of its citizens.
In addition to his functions as a local elected official, the mayor has police powers. Administrative police authority within its municipality, it firstly holds general police powers. In this capacity, he carries out public security, tranquility and health missions, under the administrative control of the prefect. In addition, being a judicial police officer authorizes him to search for and report certain offenses.
Taking Chahaignes as an example, a town of 700 inhabitants in Sarthe, Dominique Peter describes the issues associated with his responsibilities as mayor. He examines the challenges he faces.
A mayor who favors communication and awareness rather than punishment
As mayor, my main responsibility is to guarantee the safety and well-being of my constituents. In a rural region, for example, it is common to see garden fires, even though they are prohibited. Faced with this situation, I prioritize communication and awareness. In other words, I take the time to interact with the people concerned to explain to them the reasons for this ban, in particular the harmful consequences on the environment and health.
“When it comes to the residents of the town, I really prefer to go and see them myself. I'm not sending the police. »
Furthermore, I have normative power which allows me to issue regulatory measures, such as orders to limit parking or speed. And this, throughout the territory of my municipality. Measures that I combine with a system of fines for offenders (amounts validated by the municipal council). But I always strive to inform the population in advance. For this, I have different communication channels such as the municipal bulletin, the town hall display and the illiwap territorial communication application.
“Be careful, this is prohibited… and you may be punished. »
My objective is to communicate, raise awareness and dissuade, so that the population understands that the mayor ensures public order and respect for the laws for the good of all.
Obtain useful information for the repression of crimes and offenses: when the mayor leads the investigation
I also have the hat of a judicial police officer (OPJ), as do my deputies. This is a role distinct from that of the administrative police. Indeed, unlike the latter which aims to maintain public order, the judicial police intervene in a repressive manner once the offense has been committed.
My deputies and I are therefore authorized, under the direction of the public prosecutor, to make findings by report. As well as registering complaints and denunciations for non-flagrant offenses and crimes. We can also participate in an investigation in order to obtain information useful for the repression of crimes and misdemeanors. Even if this direct request from the prosecutor is more theoretical...
However, I may be required to obtain information on the owner of a vehicle that is parked incorrectly or has committed an offense. Concretely, I note the numbers on the license plate and I transmit them to the neighboring gendarmerie. This way I can find the person concerned. If she is a repeat offender, I fine her, otherwise I call her to order. This makes me think of mayor of Illkirch-Graffenstaden, near Strasbourg. He issues tickets via his telephone in addition to the municipal police, in the evening or on weekends. Often, it is true, to respond to complaints from local residents who cannot get their vehicle out of their homes because another is parked incorrectly.
Another situation that falls under my responsibility concerns wild dumps, a plague in the city, but also in the countryside. When it comes to an individual, I lecture them. But be careful, in the event of a repeat offense, I will issue a fine. On the other hand, if a company systematically gets rid of its waste on public roads or in nature, I take criminal action. Subject, of course, to succeed in identifying it...
Good self-control, an essential quality for the mayor
It is very likely that, in the years to come, the “judicial” role of the mayor will become more and more important in view of the increase in violence.
“Of the 19,800 French municipalities with fewer than 500 inhabitants, only 15 have a municipal police force (with a staff of one or two agents). »
In small towns like Chahaignes, there is generally no municipal police or country guard. Which we can regret, because it places the mayor on the front line. He must show composure in delicate situations. The reaction will obviously not be the same when faced with an offense committed by an elderly person or an intoxicated individual. Having good self-control and the ability to quickly assess the situation are key skills.
Without forgetting that I am in permanent contact with the district sub-prefect. As well as with the gendarmerie, in particular through the local police officer. Moreover, the gendarmerie offers self-defense training.
From sharing good practices to training
Chahaignes is part of the community of communes of Loir-Lucé-Bercé. We have therefore gotten into the habit of talking between mayors and sharing our best practices.
Training allowing us to better understand the law, regulations and the limits of our role would be interesting. It’s all about being able to make time.
