were created in some of the French overseas territories in 1950. The Guadeloupe and Réunion detachments were transformed into companies during the early 1960s but these were disestablished in the 1990s. Up to sixteen additional companies were created in Algeria during the Algerian War of Independence and disestablished at the end of the conflict. CRS equipment and organization have evolved in phases. A major change in equipment followed the May 1968 demonstrations. During the 1990s, the equipment continued to evolve and the CRS were re-equipped with smaller vans to better adapt the companies to the urban environment (both in their surveillance and riot control missions). Missions The "general service" companies, together with the mobile gendarmerie, constitute a highly mobile reserve force for the government. Their missions include: Providing security during large public events and mass gatherings such as ceremonies, sport events, festivals, concerts, and demonstrations Patrolling and securing specific areas (borders, suburban areas) Maintaining law and order during demonstrations, riot control Reinforcing local police forces in their general security missions Organization 1 Central Directorate under a Director-general of the National Police in Paris 7 Zonal Directorates (one for each metropolitan military defence zone) 60 "General Service" Companies (for the maintenance of public order) 1 VIP Escort Compagny (CRS n° 1) 9 Autoroute Companies (dedicated to Highway Patrol) 6 Zonal Motorcycle Units 2 Mountain Companies (Alpes and Pyrenees) - specialized in Mountain Rescue The National Police Band (attached to CRS n° 1) Some of the CRS officers are cross trained and serve as lifeguards during the summer season. They also enforce applicable laws on the beaches. The CRS are based in barracks but, unlike the gendarmes, they live at home when not on the road. A company typically spends more than 200 days per year away from its base town. Company composition Most of the "general service" companies have a headquarters platoon and four line platoons () each, a few companies having a sixth platoon () or SMS equipped with special crowd/riot control equipment such as water cannons). A complement of a regular company is as follows: 1 Company commander with the rank of Police Commandant (Major). 1 Police Captain 2 Police Lieutenants 1–4 Brigadiers-Major 12–25 Brigadiers-Chief 100–120 officers Criticism The suppressive role and occasional abuse of force by the CRS towards protesters or even school children has led to criticisms among human rights supporters. There have also been a number