In Nîmes (Gard), everywhere in the city, posters show a character red with anger, his fist clenched, threatening a host, who seems confused. This image is the municipality’s response to the too many attacks of which its agents are victims. “In 2021, 260 attacks were recorded, just for the 92 agents of the Population and Citizenship Department, who manage in particular applications for identity cards and passports, procedures related to education, or support for procedures. in line. In 2020, we totaled five times less, ”explains the city.
To try to calm the ardor of those who would be tempted to unleash their anger on municipal employees, the municipality has set up a poster campaign, to remind the bases. Simple. Basics. Inspired by a few bird names.
A “deliberately impactful” campaign
“BIG PUNISHMENT, that’s what you risk if you physically or verbally attack a public service agent”, “ENC… once again, insulting, attacking or threatening a public service agent is punishable by law” , “KNOW… do you know the penalties if you physically or verbally attack a public service agent? » or even « SAL… ir a public service agent by insulting him is an offense punishable by law », recalls this communication campaign, which specifies to the malicious inhabitants that « by remaining polite, it also works! “.
A “voluntarily impactful” communication campaign, indicates the city of Nîmes. “We wanted to show our determination to say ‘Stop! We can no longer let it happen, ”explains Christine Tournier-Barnier, the councilor delegated to the general administration of the commune. “We see that all the staff in direct contact with the public are affected, these men and women who work in the Population and Citizenship Department but also in education, town planning, technical services, green spaces, etc. “, assures Pascal Gourdel, elected representative of the city of Nîmes, delegate for finance and personnel. This rise in violence, reinforced by the health crisis, has become such that, since last September, the city has decided to file complaints to keep concrete traces of these attacks. »
In the space of four months, 15 complaints and 10 handrails were filed with the police station, indicates the municipality. Moreover, in addition to this campaign, the agents are trained, to deal with this type of situation, on improving the quality of reception of the public, on the management of stress and emotions, and on incivility.