A gendarmerie or gendarmery is a military component with jurisdiction in civil law enforcement.
The term maréchaussée (or marshalcy) may also be used (e.g., Royal Marechaussee) but is now uncommon.
Although pioneered in France, the concept of a gendarmerie was adopted by several other European nations during the Napoleonic Wars.
It remains an integral part of the military establishment in most Francophone states and territories.
A somewhat related phenomenon has been the formation of paramilitary units which fall under the authority of civilian police agencies.
Since these are not strictly military forces, however, they are not considered gendarmerie.
List of active gendarmeries
Ranks
List of former gendarmeries
See also
Gendarmerie (disambiguation)
Military Aid to the Civil Power
Paramilitary
Military police
Police
Carabinier
Field Force
National Guard (disambiguation)
United States National Guard
State Police (United States)
Constabulary
People's Armed Police
Association of the European and Mediterranean Police Forces and Gendarmeries with Military Status
Notes
References
