Most French police are armed. These may have been the Police Municipale who are basically little more than traffic and parking enforcement. The Police Nationale are responsible for criminal enforcement in the big cities, with the Gendarmerie responsible for smaller towns and the countryside. Nationales are armed with the SIG Sauer SP2022 and, as needed, with the the SIG SG -540 assault rifle.
Thanks Bubba for the update. I based by comments on something said over the television.
Another reason to like Free Republic is the extensive experience of its readers. I find its readers’ comments to be more accurate than the smiling TV heads.