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The National Niger police numbered 1500 in the year of 2002. The total paramilitary forces numbered 5400 which included 1400 gendarmerie, 2500 Republican Guard. The remaining of the paramilitary forces is comprised of the National Police. The Government of Niger spends a meager (1.6%) amount of their budget in the defense. The vigilance of the Department of State on the police action of Niger does not reflect a fair performance report of the Niger police. In the most recent edition of the Department's Security Environment Threat List, Niger has been considered 'critical' for crime by the Department of State.
In the recent years Niger has shown little improvements in the professionalism and skill of its police force. Niger has been assisted by the US Government initiatives such as the Anti-Terrorism Assistance program. In spite of these initiatives, the police in Niger have been reported as poorly trained and equipped. The Niger police are alleged of requesting for money in return for assistance. The victims of criminal activities in Niger are not assured of assistance from Niger police even after calling the emergency number for Niger police. The Niger police emergency number is 17.
The traffic police of Niger are alleged similarly for slow response. The Niger police vehicles are often condemned of lacking the basic necessities such as gasoline. The victimized tourists are thus suggested by the Department of State to contact the respective Embassies alongside reporting to the Niger police.
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