Nîmes, France – Police conducted preventative operations at Lycée Hemingway and Lycée Dhuoda in Nîmes on Thursday, February 12, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure safety and security within educational institutions. The operations, carried out by officers from the Gard department’s Brigade de sécurité du quotidien (Daily Security Brigade), involved searches for prohibited items and aimed to reinforce a secure learning environment for students. These types of school safety measures are becoming increasingly common across France.
The operation at Lycée Hemingway included a search of boarding student rooms and lockers, assisted by a canine unit specialized in detecting narcotics. According to authorities, no prohibited substances were discovered during the search. The presence of personnel from the Équipes mobiles d’appui à la scolarisation (EMAS) – mobile support teams for schooling – during both operations highlights the collaborative approach between law enforcement and educational support services. EMAS teams provide expertise and support to schools in addressing the educational needs of students, particularly those with disabilities or requiring additional assistance, as outlined in a description of their role.
Following the operation at Hemingway, police moved to Lycée Dhuoda. Acting on a request from the Public Prosecutor, officers conducted random identity checks and bag searches, focusing on the detection of weapons or illicit substances. A total of 150 students were screened, but, like at Hemingway, no weapons or drugs were found. This proactive approach underscores the commitment of local authorities to maintaining a safe school environment and preventing potential security threats.
Collaboration Between Police and Educational Support
The involvement of EMAS personnel in both operations is significant. These teams, comprised of professionals from medical and social services, work to support schools in addressing the needs of students with specific educational requirements. Their presence during the police operations demonstrates a coordinated effort to ensure both the safety and well-being of students. The EMAS teams are designed to provide support to the educational community, particularly in cases involving students at risk of facing difficulties or dropping out of school, as detailed in a recent government circular.
The operations at Lycée Hemingway and Lycée Dhuoda are part of a broader trend of increased security measures in French schools. In 2024, the French government announced the creation of a national mobile security team to support regional security efforts in educational institutions, as reported in a circular from the Ministry of National Education. This initiative reflects a growing concern about safety in schools and a commitment to providing a secure learning environment for all students.
Preventative Measures and Future Actions
While the searches yielded no immediate findings of prohibited items, authorities emphasize the importance of these preventative measures in deterring potential threats and fostering a sense of security within the school community. The operations serve as a visible reminder of the commitment to student safety and the collaborative efforts between law enforcement, educational institutions, and support services. The focus remains on proactive measures to identify and address potential risks before they escalate.
Looking ahead, authorities have not announced any specific follow-up operations at this time. However, they have indicated that these types of preventative checks will continue to be conducted as part of ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and secure learning environment in Nîmes and throughout the Gard department.
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