French police better prepared for terror attacks since November 13, 2015 • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Mass Casualty Course: Specialized training for law enforcement to handle incidents involving a large number of casualties, often related to terrorist attacks.
• Anti-rime Brigade: A unit of police officers, typically involved in responding to demonstrations, domestic violence, robberies, and drug trafficking, who are now being trained for terrorist attack scenarios.
• National Response Plan: A framework outlining the required response times and actions for internal security forces in the event of a terrorist attack.
• HKG36 Assault Rifle: A specific model of assault rifle noted for its accuracy and ease of handling, now part of the new equipment for the anti-rime brigade.
• Simulation Exercises: Immersive training scenarios designed to replicate real-world events, allowing officers to practice responses, identify mistakes, and develop reflexes.
• Debriefing and Role-Playing: Post-simulation activities focused on providing practical advice, theoretical guidance, and reinforcing lessons learned.
• Protective Equipment: Enhanced gear, including bulletproof vests, helmets, and shields, designed to better protect officers during armed attacks.

Training for Terrorist Attacks: The Anti-Rime Brigade's New Reality

This video details the specialized training undertaken by the anti-rime brigade, a unit historically focused on common crimes, to prepare them for the realities of responding to terrorist attacks. The training is a direct consequence of events like the November 13th, 2015 attacks, which highlighted the need for enhanced preparedness and updated methodologies.

Mass Casualty Course and Simulation Exercises

• Objective: To equip officers with the skills and reflexes necessary to respond effectively to terrorist incidents, a task not previously central to their duties.
• Methodology: The training emphasizes immersive simulation exercises designed to be anxiety-inducing and realistic. Officers are warned of an armed individual but given minimal details to test their initiative and decision-making under pressure.
• Simulation Details: Instructors act as assailants, employing aggressive tactics such as shouting, using non-hazardous explosives, and fake grenades to create a high-stress environment. The goal is to push officers to their limits, demonstrating the severe consequences of errors.
• Key Phrase: "We have to put them in a difficult position so that they realize if they make one wrong move, it could cost them dearly and the mission won't be accomplished." (Instructor)

National Response Plan and Officer Responsibilities

• Response Time: The national response plan mandates that internal security forces must respond to a terrorist attack within a maximum of 25 to 30 minutes.
• Officer Mandate: Officers are instructed to get as close as possible to the incident zone (without necessarily entering it initially) and, crucially, to "ensure that the crisis is contained."

Debriefing and Practical Application

• Role-Playing Workshops: These sessions provide practical and theoretical guidance on response protocols and task allocation.
• Equipment Familiarization: A significant aspect of the training involves repeatedly setting up and putting away new equipment, ensuring officers are proficient with their gear under operational stress.

Enhanced Equipment and its Challenges

• New Gear: Following the November 13th attacks, the anti-rime brigade received new protective equipment, including bulletproof vests, helmets, and shields, weighing up to 40 kilos.
• Assault Rifle: The HKG36 assault rifle, known for its accuracy and ease of handling, has been issued.
• Operational Challenges: The training highlights the difficulty of moving effectively and accurately engaging targets while burdened by heavy protective gear and using a weapon that is not frequently employed in their usual patrols.
• Officer Testimony: "One here, one there, and this one's out. And here, I think I'm even off target. I mean, I'm sure I am." (Officer during simulation)

Real-World Experience and the Need for Practice

• Veteran Officers: Officers like Tony and Julian, who were present during the November 13th attacks (Tony at the Bataclan, Julian at restaurant shootings), share their experiences. They acknowledge that while training has improved their capacity to respond efficiently, "to develop reflexes, you have to practice."
• Evolution of Preparedness: The attacks necessitated a complete overhaul of equipment and methods, moving away from outdated practices.
• Officer Testimony: "We now have the capacity to act and respond a lot more efficiently, much better than before. But let's not kid ourselves. To develop reflexes, you have to practice." (Tony)

Ongoing Training and Unforeseen Emergencies

• New Recruits: Officers like Version, who lack the direct combat experience of Tony and Julian, are awaiting their mass casualty training.
• Real-Time Deployment: The video illustrates that even during training, officers can be called to immediate emergencies. The team is dispatched to a housing estate where a woman is threatening neighbors with a shotgun.
• Application of New Gear: In this real-world scenario, the brigade deploys heavy protective gear and HKG36s, demonstrating the immediate relevance of their training and equipment upgrades.
• The Human Element: Despite extensive training and equipment, the narrative emphasizes that "tonight, once again, they need to arm themselves with courage, which no amount of training can prepare for."

Synthesis/Conclusion

The video underscores a critical shift in the operational focus of the anti-rime brigade, driven by the imperative to counter terrorism. The comprehensive training program, incorporating realistic simulations, enhanced equipment like the HKG36, and adherence to the national response plan, aims to bridge the gap between their traditional policing roles and the demands of high-threat incidents. While acknowledging the significant improvements in preparedness and efficiency, the narrative also stresses the irreplaceable role of practical experience and the inherent courage required of officers facing such extreme situations, which training can only partially prepare them for.