Gendarmes demand extra resources

PARIS, France - More than 200 serving gendarmes have taken part in a protest against poor working conditions and inadequate crime fighting resources.

The gendarmes, officially banned from holding demonstrations, say government policies have stacked the justice system against them.

The demonstration in Montpellier, southern France, comes ahead of elections next year and the participation of serving officers is being seen as an indication of just how angry the service is.

At a similar nationwide demonstration last month only former gendarmes and the partners of serving officers took part.

Police and gendarmes say the law and order record of Socialist Prime Minister Lionel Jospin's government has failed to address poor pay and funding while at the same time making it harder to secure convictions.

The gendarmes drove about 50 vehicles with sirens blaring to their regional headquarters, where they were planning to have a "collective medical check-up" with the aim of being diagnosed with depression.

Officers stressed they were not demonstrating but taking part in an action -- to get round the legal ban on gendarmes taking part in protests.

Gendarmes in the southwestern town of Samatan lowered their flag to half mast in a symbolic protest at pay, under-resourcing and what they see as inadequate support from the courts. They were later ordered to restore the flag.

Prime Minister Lionel Jospin's government signed a deal with police union leaders last week with promises to boost the 2002 domestic security budget.

Jospin is widely expected to run for the French presidency next year and incumbent Jacques Chirac and law and order is likely to be a key issue.

Chirac has called for 'zero tolerance' policies, similar to those that first made headlines in New York, to be introduced.

Gendarmes carry out police functions but are part of the ministry of defence.