At present, the overall French security system is based on two mechanisms, one of which deals with the general security of people and goods, while the other concentrates on the protection of vitally important activities.

The first is closely involved with the Vigipirate and Pirate plans. The common function of these plans is analysis of the threat, the division of tasks within the State machinery at the governmental and devolved levels, and the definition of planned and progressive vigilance measures in the face of the terrorist threat, for prevention and protection for the first, and intervention and reaction for the second.

The second mechanism, still being implemented, defines security objectives and policies, and specifies planned and graduated measures to be implemented in key sectors of activity.

The coherence of the overall security system is strengthened by its homogeneous and permanent orientation at all levels of the two mechanisms, based on dissemination of the threat analysis and the security measures associated with it, as well as by the linking of the two systems at the vital strategic (ministerial) and operational (local) levels.