may be called into action by the judiciary even within cities (i.e. in the National Police's area of responsibility). As an example, the Paris research section of the Gendarmerie was in charge of the investigations into the vote-rigging allegations in the 5th district of Paris (see corruption scandals in the Paris region). Gendarmes normally operate in uniform. They may operate in plainclothes only for specific missions and with their supervisors' authorisation. Mobile Gendarmerie The Mobile Gendarmerie (), also named « La Jaune » (The Yellow), it is organized in seven Regions of the Mobile Gendarmerie (one for each of the seven military regions of metropolitan France, called (). It comprises 18 Groupings () featuring 109 squadrons for a total of approx. 11,300 personnel. Its main responsibilities are: crowd and riot control general security in support of the Departmental Gendarmerie military and defense missions missions that require large amounts of personnel (Vigipirate counter-terrorism patrols, searches in the countryside...) Nearly 20% of the Mobile Gendarmerie squadrons are permanently deployed on a rotational basis in the French overseas territories. Other units deploy occasionally abroad alongside French troops engaged in military operations (called external operations or OPEX). The civilian tasks of the mobile gendarmerie are similar to those of the police units known as (CRS), for which they are often mistaken. Easy ways to distinguish them include: the uniform of the CRS is dark blue, the mobile gendarmerie are clad in black jackets and dark blue trousers; the CRS wear a big red CRS patch; the gendarmes have stylised grenades. the helmet of the mobile gendarmerie is blue. The CRS helmet is black with two yellow stripes The Mobile Gendarmerie includes GBGM (), an Armoured grouping composed of seven squadrons equipped with VXB armoured personnel carriers, better known in the Gendarmerie as VBRG (, "Gendarmerie armoured wheeled vehicle"). It is based at Versailles-Satory. The unit also specializes in CBRN defense. Republican Guard The Republican Guard is a ceremonial unit based in Paris. Their missions include: It provides protection and ceremonial guard for the President of The Republic, the Prime Minister, their official residencies and both chambers of the French Parliament. Guarding important public buildings in Paris such as the Élysée Palace, Hôtel Matignon, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Hall of Justice, and keeping public order in Paris. Honour and security services for the highest national personalities and important foreign guests; Support of other