The Crown Prince of France - Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Control of Parisian Police Affairs

Étienne pondered for a long time before deciding to personally visit the Palace of Versailles tomorrow to gather information. After all, this loan was a crucial business deal for Havret Bank.

Although he had promised the Duke of Orléans to delay the disbursement until the last possible day, it did not mean he had no intention of completing the transaction.

...

The next day.

In Joseph’s reception room, Besançon and Froyent sat upright on a Persian-carpeted sofa.

Joseph gestured for them to drink tea and smiled, saying:
“It seems things on your end are proceeding rather smoothly.”

Besançon, who had officially received the appointment as Director of Parisian Police, took out a document and respectfully handed it to Joseph:
“Your Highness, the evaluations, restructuring, and training of officers across all districts of Paris have been completed. A few days ago, the new police force officially took over public security.”

“This document contains recommendations for the main officers of the restructured police bureau. It still requires your final approval.”

Joseph opened the document to find a series of police bureau positions listed. Beneath each role were at least two candidates, along with detailed information about each one.

Joseph quickly skimmed through the file. In general, the reshuffle represented a complete overhaul of the entire Parisian police system.

Since the Saint-Antoine District had been the first to undergo police reforms, nearly 40% of the positions were filled by candidates associated with the Saint-Antoine faction. Arden and Magoni had both been nominated as commissioners.

In addition, skilled, honest, and reputable officers from the previous police force had been promoted to various levels of leadership. However, as per Joseph’s prior instructions, only individuals from the minor nobility and commoner backgrounds were selected.

A small proportion of the candidates were Besançon’s own people.

Joseph nodded, noting that the list reflected Besançon’s dedication to the police reform effort and his considerable competence. Once this batch of appointments was finalized, Paris’ police system would effectively be under Joseph’s complete control.

He selected a few familiar names, such as Arden, and left the remaining decisions to Besançon. Joseph believed in giving his subordinates the authority to act independently—it would empower them to serve him more effectively.

Besançon continued,
“Your Highness, regarding the former officers, I have taken the liberty of forming a ‘Routine Affairs Team’ to handle tasks such as river patrols and sanitation maintenance. All of them have been reassigned to this team.”

Joseph understood that Besançon was referring to those who had paid for their positions in the police force. Since they had contracts with the municipal government and could not be dismissed outright, assigning them to manage city sanitation was an acceptable compromise.

“Hmm, this arrangement works well,” Joseph affirmed.

Besançon hesitated briefly before adding cautiously,
“Your Highness, the new uniforms have been custom-made, and the equipment has been replaced. However, regarding the budget…”

Joseph smiled and waved his hand dismissively:
“Just write a report on how much is needed and submit it to me.”

“Yes, thank you, Your Highness.”

Currently, Joseph had funds from the Paris Angel Company franchise fees, along with the investments made by the King and cabinet members in the bank, as well as income from the Paris Angel Company itself. Altogether, this amounted to over 3.1 million livres. The expenses of the Parisian Police Bureau were hardly a concern to him.

After Besançon finished his report, Froyent promptly added,
“Your Highness, the first batch of students at the Paris Police Academy has already been recruited—201 in total. I plan to officially commence classes in a week. Would you have time to attend the opening ceremony?”

“So soon? Of course, I’ll attend,” Joseph replied, surprised. Just over half a month ago, the police academy had been nothing more than an idea, and now it was about to open!

Froyent explained,
“Your Highness, following your instructions, I purchased a two-hectare plot of land in the Saint-Antoine District. While the buildings on it are somewhat dilapidated, they can serve as makeshift classrooms after minor repairs.”

“Additionally, when the residents of Saint-Antoine District learned that the academy was being established under your direction, they volunteered to help free of charge. Tasks like leveling the training grounds were completed within a week.”

Besançon interjected,
“Your Highness, starting last week, I’ve been rotating 100 officers daily to train at the academy. Although the facilities are modest, they are sufficient for basic training.”

Joseph thought to himself: This Froyent is truly a talent—his efficiency is almost unreal for the 18th century!

Such capable subordinates deserved substantial rewards.

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