Roles Prefect (France)

a french prefect

the main role of prefects defined in article 72 of constitution of france:

in local governments of republic, representative of state, representing each member of government, in charge of national interests, of administrative checks, , respect of law.

the exact role , attributions defined in decrees, notably decrees of 1964, 1982, 2004, each replacing preceding one.

the prefect of département containing chef-lieu de région préfet de région, or prefect of région.

prefects operate under minister of interior. main missions include.

representing state local governments;
security

the coordination of police , gendarmerie forces;
handling major crises;
emergency defence procedures;


safety

the decision evacuate zones facing natural disasters; organisation of relief operations;


responsibility official documents, such as

the production of identity documents, including identity cards , passports;
the issuing of driving licences, , administrative withdrawal in case of offenses;
the application of immigration rules;


ensuring respect legality: officials working prefect verify legality of decisions made local governments , submit doubtful cases administrative courts or financial auditing courts.

prefects may issue administrative orders in areas falling within competency of national government, including general safety. instance, may prohibit use of roads without special tyres in times of snow. prohibition on smoking or leaving motor running while filling fuel tank of motor vehicle example of matter typically decided prefectoral administrative order.

on official occasions, prefects wear uniforms.

prefects had extensive powers of supervision , control on departmental affairs. decentralization of local government in recent years, prefect s role has largely been limited preventing local policies conflicting national policy.