French Railway Security, more commonly known by the acronym SUGE, is a key player in the field of railway security in France. Its mission is to ensure the safety and security of the infrastructure, staff and passengers of the national rail network. In this article, we will explore the essential role of SUGE officers and their day-to-day missions to guarantee safe and secure rail travel.
What is the SUGE?
French Railway Security (SUGE) is a security service attached to SNCF. Founded in 1984, this organization is specifically dedicated to the protection of railway infrastructure and the passengers who use it. The SUGE operates across the entire French rail network, covering regional, national and international trains.
The SUGE's Missions
1. Preventing Malicious Acts
The SUGE's primary mission is to prevent and respond to malicious acts on the rail network. This includes combating theft, vandalism, trespassing and other behavior that jeopardizes the safety of users and infrastructure.
2. Passenger Safety
Passenger safety is at the heart of the SUGE's concerns. Railway security officers patrol stations and trains to ensure a safe environment. They intervene in difficult situations, whether to manage conflicts between passengers or to ensure safety in emergency situations.
3. Protecting Railway Infrastructure
The SUGE is also responsible for protecting railway infrastructure, such as tracks, stations, bridges and electrical installations. Officers make sure these key parts of the network remain operational and shielded from any potential threat.
4. Coordination with the Authorities
The SUGE works closely with law enforcement to investigate incidents and help enforce the law. Its expertise in railway security is invaluable in solving cases connected to the network.
Trained and Dedicated Officers
SUGE officers are specially trained to meet the unique challenges of railway security. Their deterrent and proactive presence helps maintain a safe environment for the millions of passengers who travel by train in France every day.
Testimonial from Anthony, SUGE officer in Juvisy
How did you end up with the SUGE?
I was a volunteer assistant gendarme in a PSIG unit and there was a call for volunteers to join railway security, so I applied! I passed all the tests and joined the school at the security university in Ermont. The training lasts 4 to 5 months and I learned a great deal: penal code, transport code, code of criminal procedure, but also the professional framework and the safety elements specific to railway security. For example, we learn how to cross the tracks safely. We also do TIS (intervention techniques). At the end I passed my exam, which allowed me to go out into the field!
What does a typical day look like?
I report for duty at my station, gather information about the sector and then, on our own initiative, we head out to the stations and trains in our sector. I mainly work on the RER C and D lines. We are free to set our own program for the day. We respond to requests from the PCNS, which asks us to intervene in various stations or trains, or even out on the open track, depending on the type of intervention.
What do you like best about your job?
Every day is different! There's a great deal of freedom in the tasks, across a very large sector. The railway environment is fascinating, because it teaches you to work differently than on public roads.
I really like that feeling of being useful. Stopping offenses, managing disrupted situations such as train delays or accidents involving people — my missions are so varied.
Something else I love is teamwork. In our unit, you need at least 4 people to work the trains. Below that, we patrol by car along the lines and worksites in the sector. Working as a team means you never get bored and you always have something to talk about with your colleagues!
What is your everyday equipment?
It consists of a SIG Sauer P320, a pair of handcuffs and the GK handcuff holder, a high-capacity defense spray with its GK holster, a telescopic baton along with the GK baton holder, and a tactical ballistic vest that provides lumbar support. We also have a body camera so we can record and protect ourselves during interventions.
As for the uniform, we have intervention pants fitted with knee pads. For footwear, we can choose between several brands — I went for Magnum! On top, a polo shirt or F1 shirt, and if needed, a rain jacket.
In short, the SUGE plays a vital role in protecting the French rail network. Its missions of prevention, passenger safety and infrastructure protection make it an essential player in ensuring that train travel remains a safe and reliable means of transport for everyone.
Discover Anthony's equipment:
GK Red Label handcuff holder
GK Red Label thigh aerosol holder diam. 55-65mm
GK Tactiknight baton holder
