At present, the overall French security system is based on two mechanisms, one of which deals with the general security of people and goods, while the other concentrates on the protection of vitally important activities.
The first is closely involved with the Vigipirate and Pirate plans. The common function of these plans is analysis of the threat, the division of tasks within the State machinery at the governmental and devolved levels, and the definition of planned and progressive vigilance measures in the face of the terrorist threat, for prevention and protection for the first, and intervention and reaction for the second.
The second mechanism, still being implemented, defines security objectives and policies, and specifies planned and graduated measures to be implemented in key sectors of activity.
The coherence of the overall security system is strengthened by its homogeneous and permanent orientation at all levels of the two mechanisms, based on dissemination of the threat analysis and the security measures associated with it, as well as by the linking of the two systems at the vital strategic (ministerial) and operational (local) levels.
Events in France and elsewhere in the world in recent years, and particularly the 11 September 2001 attacks in the United States, have caused countries to look for better ways of protecting themselves against risks from terrorist or other hostile sources, in addition to emergencies resulting from accidental or natural causes. This tendency to raise one’s guard is offset by the adversary’s ever-increasing ability to inflict harm. Radicalisation of the terrorist threat is a classic example of this, which has given a powerful impulse to security planning.
Because of this, actions undertaken since 2001 have led to more effective crisis management in the nations at risk, which in turn has helped to fortify society in confronting extreme situations. Security planning has been profoundly modified by the need to adapt to new threats.
The overall French security system rests on two complementary mechanisms, of which one is concerned with general security of people and property, and the other is the more specific protection of key (i.e. vital) activities. Because of its double nature, Vigipirate has a separate role in this system. On the one hand it is the measure which covers threat analysis, and which in effect drives the system, and on the other hand it is consubstantial with general security planning under the Pirate heading.
