Palpations, seizures... Strengthened policy tools for public transport safety

A decree of 28 March 2026 sets out a new framework for the tasks of the agents of the internal security services of SNCF and RATP. As of March 30, these officers can:

• perform safety pat-downs in case of proven risk, even in the absence of a specific prefectural order (until then, pat-downs were authorized only within the limits of the duration and places determined by an order finding the existence of serious threats to public security);
• prohibit access to railway stations by individuals who disturb public orderstations and other places where public transport users are accommodated.

The decree of 28 March 2026 also determines the conditions under which the security agents of RATP and SNCF may temporarily seize and retain dangerous objects, to prevent possible incidents on public transport. It states that a receipt must be given to the person holding the object. This receipt must contain certain elements such as:

• the place where the object will be made available;
• the identifier of the agent to whom the object is handed over;
• the shelf life of the object.

The decree also confirms that, when an offense has been committed, the scope of intervention of the security agents of the SNCF and the RATP is extended to the immediate vicinity of stations and other places of access to public transport; this allows the security agents to prosecute the individuals who committed the offense in question.

The Ministry of Transport also points out that RATP and SNCF security guards can seize the goods when they see situations of sale in the wild, including in the immediate vicinity of railway stations.