Chapter 45: Taking Control of the Paris Police
Étienne pondered for a long time, deciding he should personally go to Versailles Palace tomorrow to investigate the situation. After all, this loan was also an important business for Laville Bank.
He had only promised the Duke of Orleans to delay the loan until the last day, but that didn't mean he didn't want to do this business.
The next day.
In Joseph's reception room, Bessançon and Friant sat upright on a sofa covered with a Persian carpet.
Joseph gestured for them to drink tea and smiled slightly:
"It seems things are going smoothly on your end."
Bessançon had officially received his appointment as Commissioner of Police for Paris. He first took out a document and respectfully handed it to Joseph:
"Your Royal Highness, the evaluations, reorganization, and training of police officers in all districts of Paris have been completed. The new police force began taking over public order a few days ago.
"These are the recommended candidates for key officials in the Police Bureau after the reorganization. Your final approval is still needed."
Joseph scanned it generally, and generally speaking, it was a complete overhaul of officials within the entire Paris police system.
Because Saint-Antoine District was the first to undergo Police Reform, in the selection of officials, the 'Saint-Antoine faction' accounted for nearly 40 percent. Arden and Marconi both received nominations for Police Commissioner.
Additionally, officers who were proficient, incorruptible, and had good reputations were selected from the former police force to be promoted to various levels of official in the police force. However, in accordance with Joseph's prior requirements, only individuals from minor noble families and commoners were chosen.
A very small portion also consisted of Bessançon's own people.
Joseph nodded. From this list, it was clear that Bessançon had been extremely diligent with the Police Reform, and his capabilities were also good. Once this group of officials was replaced, the police system of Paris would effectively be entirely under his control.
He checked off Arden and a few others he was familiar with. The rest he left for Bessançon to decide. 'Trust those you employ; giving subordinates more power allows them to serve you better.'
Bessançon continued:
"Your Royal Highness, as for the former police officers, your subordinate took the liberty of forming a 'Daily Affairs Unit.' This unit is responsible for tasks such as river supervision and sanitation, and all those officers have been transferred to it."
Joseph knew he was referring to those who had paid their way into the police force. Because they had contracts with the city hall, they couldn't simply be dismissed. Sending them to manage city sanitation was not a bad solution.
"Hmm, that's an excellent arrangement."
Finally, Bessançon cautiously added:
"Your Royal Highness, the new uniforms have been custom-made, and the equipment has also been replaced with new items. It's just that, regarding the funds..."
Joseph chuckled and waved his hand.
"Just write a report detailing how much is needed and submit it to me."
"Yes. Thank you, Your Royal Highness."
Joseph currently held the franchise fees from Paris Angel franchisees, plus the bank shares invested by everyone from the King to cabinet ministers, as well as the operating income from the Paris Angel Company. All together, it totaled over 3.1 million Livres.
The expenses for the Paris Police Bureau he truly didn't take to heart.
Once Bessançon finished his report, Friant immediately spoke:
"Your Royal Highness, the first batch of students for the Paris Police Academy has been recruited, totaling 201 individuals. Your subordinate plans for classes to officially begin in one week. Would you perhaps have time to preside over the opening ceremony?"
"That fast? Of course, I'll go." Joseph was quite surprised. 'To think, less than a month ago, the police academy was just an idea of mine, and now it's opening in just one week?!'
Friant said:
"Your Royal Highness, your subordinate, following your instructions, purchased a 13.3-hectare plot of land in the Saint-Antoine district. It had quite a few buildings. Although they were somewhat dilapidated, with minor repairs, they could still barely serve as school dormitories.
"Furthermore, when the citizens of the Saint-Antoine district learned that Your Royal Highness was establishing the police academy, they flocked to offer free assistance, and tasks like leveling the training ground were completed in just one week."
Bessançon added:
"Your Royal Highness, in fact, since last week, your subordinate's department has been rotating 100 police officers daily for training at the police academy. While the academy is somewhat rudimentary at present, it's perfectly capable of conducting general training."
Joseph thought to himself: 'This Friant is truly a talent; his efficiency is so high, it's almost unlike an 18th-century person!'
'Such a subordinate must be heavily rewarded!'
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