Police violence seems to primarily hit social movements and poorer areas. What role does it play and how has it been evolving in France and Belgium? Since it tends to involve struggling citizens, residents of poorer areas, refugees, the homeless, young revellers, Roma, Travellers and others, is it fair to say that the State is content to manage those who are ‘surplus to requirements’ or the so-called ‘dangerous classes’ using batons and tear gas?