Nice Premium: Mr. Delage, what is being criticized about the definition of the word “Rebeu” in the “Le Robert 2008” edition?
Jean-Claude Delage: The phrase “You’re a poor little rebeu that a jerk of a cop is messing with. That’s it!” is taken from a crime novel and illustrates the definition of the word “rebeu” in this dictionary. We criticize the people responsible for this dictionary for using an illustration that presents a fundamentally racist and disrespectful image of French police officers towards the immigrant population. We also criticize them for not considering the impact this illustration could have on young students and particularly on the children of police officers.
NP: How was this definition interpreted by your union?
JCD: This definition is shocking and slanderous. It is deeply felt as such by all our colleagues. What is unacceptable is that the authors of this work chose this excerpt when there were many other possibilities to illustrate the word “rebeu.” Was it necessary for understanding the word “rebeu,” even in a pejorative sense, to insult the men and women who make up our republican police? I do not believe so, and I refuse to condone this trivialization of insults against police officers loyal to our institutions and their fellow citizens.
NP: Are you going to take any actions, and if so, which ones?
JCD: We have expressly asked our Minister to ensure that the respect, integrity, and honor of police officers are guaranteed and defended whenever these qualities are unjustly, gratuitously, and deliberately questioned. It is the duty of our minister to take all useful and necessary measures solely to stop this blatant insult. For us, and on behalf of the colleagues who trust us, it is clear that a reference work with an educational purpose cannot afford to convey such biased messages. We have taken note of Madame Alliot-Marie’s actions on this matter, and we accept them; That is why, starting today, we are calling on all police officers and their families, as well as those who support our approach, to boycott this dictionary, pending a potential withdrawal of this edition.
NP: Finally, do you think this could harm the overall image of the Police, and what actions are currently being taken to promote republican police officers?
JCD: I believe this definition contributes to providing a false, negative, and racist image of police officers, even more severely when this image is presented to children or impressionable young people. Police officers have the mission to protect people and property, enforce laws passed by elected representatives, and they are entirely at the service of all citizens. It’s a mission whose nobility deserves that those who accomplish it are justly considered. Many of our colleagues have been killed in the exercise of this mission. If police officers are to be judged, then it should be by their actions, their dedication, and their professionalism on the ground, both by our citizens and our leaders. The image of the police is not as negative as some would like or have others believe. We published a national survey in March 2007, conducted with all our delegates on the ground, meeting with the population. This survey widely demonstrated that the public trusts their national police and its officers. Where errors or faults are committed, they are punished as they should be. Acts of courage and dedication, as well as professionalism, should be rewarded, acknowledged, and recognized when deserved. Making the entire French population aware of the national police, the missions and duties of police officers is the role of public authorities and our leaders. The National Police Alliance actively participates in this communication through the media, notably through its website [www.alliancepn.fr](https://www.alliancepn.fr).
