Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Taking Control of Paris Law Enforcement
Chapter 45: Taking Control of Paris Law Enforcement
Étienne pondered for a long time before deciding to personally visit Versailles the next day to gather information. After all, this loan was an important piece of business for La Ville Bank. While he had agreed to delay the loan until the last possible moment at the Duke of Orléans' request, that didn't mean he wasn't interested in making the deal.
The next day, in Joseph's reception room, Besson and Friant sat upright on a Persian carpeted sofa.
Joseph gestured for them to have some tea and smiled, "It seems that things are going smoothly on your end."
Besson, who had recently been officially appointed as the Chief of Paris Police, took out a document and respectfully handed it to Joseph. "Your Highness, the assessment, reorganization, and training of police officers in each district of Paris have been completed. The new police force took over maintaining order a few days ago.
"This document contains recommendations for key officials within the newly reorganized police bureau. It's up to you to make the final decision."
Joseph opened the document to find a list of police bureau positions, with at least two candidates listed under each, along with detailed information about each individual.
As Joseph reviewed the document, he noticed that it essentially called for a complete overhaul of the Paris police force.
Since the Saint-Antoine district had been the first to undergo police reform, officials from that district made up nearly 40% of the candidates, with Arden and Magoni both nominated for positions as police commissioners.
The list also included experienced, honest, and well-regarded officers from the former police force, who were being promoted to various leadership positions. Per Joseph's earlier instructions, all appointees were to be selected from among the lower nobility and commoners.
A small portion of the candidates were Besson's own men.
Joseph nodded. The list showed that Besson had been diligent in implementing police reforms and was quite capable. Once these appointments were finalized, Joseph would effectively have full control over the Paris police force.
Joseph marked a few names he was familiar with, including Arden, and left the rest for Besson to decide—trusting his people and giving them more power would ensure they were more effective in carrying out his orders.
Besson continued, "Your Highness, as for the previous officers, I took the liberty of creating a 'Routine Services Unit,' responsible for tasks like river inspections and sanitation. I've reassigned them all to this unit."
Joseph understood that Besson was referring to those who had essentially bought their way into the police force. Since they had contracts with the city hall, they couldn't be dismissed outright. Assigning them to manage city sanitation was a reasonable solution.
"Hm, that's a good arrangement."
Finally, Besson hesitated before carefully adding, "Your Highness, the new uniforms have been tailored, and new equipment has been issued. However, regarding the budget..."
Joseph smiled and waved his hand dismissively. "Just write up a report detailing the costs, and I'll take care of it."
"Yes, Your Highness. Thank you."
With the franchise fees from Paris Angel, investments from the King and high-ranking officials in his bank, and the revenue flowing in from Paris Angel's operations, Joseph had over 310,000 livres at his disposal. The expenses for the Paris police force were hardly a concern for him.
After Besson had finished his report, Friant eagerly spoke up, "Your Highness, the first group of recruits for the Paris Police Academy has been selected, totaling 201 students. I plan to officially open the academy in a week. Would you be available to preside over the opening ceremony?"
"So soon? Of course, I'll be there." Joseph was genuinely surprised. Just over two weeks ago, the police academy had been nothing more than an idea, and now it was about to open!
Friant explained, "Your Highness, following your instructions, I purchased a 2-hectare plot of land in the Saint-Antoine district, which had several buildings on it. Although they were a bit run-down, with some repairs, they'll suffice as school facilities for now.
"In addition, the residents of Saint-Antoine, upon learning that it was Your Highness who was establishing the police academy, volunteered to help with tasks like leveling the training grounds. The work was completed in just a week."
Besson added, "Your Highness, starting last week, we've been rotating 100 officers daily to receive training at the academy. Although the facilities are still modest, they're sufficient for basic training."
Joseph thought to himself, This Friant is truly a talent—his efficiency is almost unbelievable for the 18th century!
Such capable subordinates definitely deserved a generous reward.
(End of Chapter)
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