accomplish customs operations ; open boxes send by postal service or express fret companies ; perform identity checks, infiltrate criminal organizations investigate both nationally and internationally with foreign customs ; requisition qualified people ; take samples ; Some of these operations require prior approval by a magistrate. However, the personnels of the SNDJ, nicknamed Officiers de Douane Judiciaire (ODJ), can not use these powers. They gained their powers from the Code of Criminal Procedure Personnel Category A (inspecteur des douanes ) is recruited from holders of a bachelor's degree; category B is recruited from holders of a high school diploma giving access to university studies; category C from holders of a vocational high school diploma. In 2017, the ranks of Agent de constatation principal de 2nde classe and Agent de constatation de 1ère classe were merged and the rank of Agent de constatation de 2nde classe were renamed Agent de constatation. Before the Agents de constatation de 1ère class wore the same insignia than the Agent de constatation de 2nde classe except they had 3 chevrons. Armament and equipment Air In 2010 the aircraft fleet consisted of Reims-Cessna F406 maritime patrol aircraft; and Eurocopter EC-135 and Aérospatiale AS355 helicopters. Two Reims-Cessna F406s operated out of Martinique and the rest were based in metropolitan France. From 2012 onwards eight Beechcraft King Air 350s replaced the F406s. Maritime In 2010 the customs had 3 offshore patrol boats, 18 coastal patrol boats, 18 surveillance patrol boats and 5 speed boats. The boats are assigned as follows: North sea/Channel: 1 Offshore Patrol Boat 2 Coastal Patrol Boat 1 Surveillance Patrol Boat 2 speed boats Atlantic 1 Offshore Patrol Boat 4 Coastal Patrol Boat 3 Surveillance Patrol Boat 2 speed boats Mediterranean 1 Offshore Patrol Boat 8 Coastal Patrol Boat 8 Surveillance Patrol Boat Antilles/South America 4 Coastal Patrol Boat 5 Surveillance Patrol Boat Polynesia 1 Offshore Patrol Boat 1 Speed boat Ground forces As of 2008 the Customs service had 3255 vehicles (including 355 motorbikes). Small Arms Customs Agents are now armed with the 9 mm SIG Sauer SP 2022 pistols as the standard issued sidearm, a French custom-tailored variant of the SIG Sauer Pro. The pistol was ordered to replace the several revolvers in service. References National law enforcement agencies of France Border guards Customs services Immigration services Coast guards