When the gendarmerie becomes participatory: Figures of neighborhood watch volunteers in France

Neighborhood watch schemes have spread in France over the last decade, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas under the jurisdiction of the gendarmerie, through partnerships between local authorities and public police forces. Is this proof of the opening of the police towards the community, or a case of vigilantism ? Regarding crime prevention, are participatory schemes conservative or reformative ? Involvements in neighborhood watch schemes are explored through fieldwork carried out among volunteers.