The Renseignements Généraux or RG ("General Information") is a directorate of the French National Police. Its full name is the Direction centrale des renseignements généraux (DCRG). The National Police (Police Nationale) is the main civil law enforcement agency of France, with primary jurisdiction in cities and large towns. ...

Its main task is the gathering of domestic information for the French national government. It also watches over gambling establishments and horse racing facilities. Gambling (or betting) is any behavior involving risking money or valuables (making a wager or placing a stake) on the outcome of a game, contest, or other event in which the outcome of that activity depends partially or totally upon chance or upon ones ability to do something. ... Horse-racing is an equestrian sporting activity which has been practiced over the centuries; the chariot races of Roman times were an early example, as was the contest of the steeds of the god Odin and the giant Hrungnir in Norse mythology. ...

It is divided into three sub-directorates:

Over the years, there have been numerous accusations that the RG has engaged in illegal spying on journalists or political opponents of the government.