Paris to have 12,000 police officers out for big weekend

PARIS — Paris is pouring police into the streets this weekend for what France hopes will be back-to-back celebrations — Bastille Day and a victory in the World Cup final.

Paris Police Chief Michel Delpuech said on Thursday that 12,000 officers and 3,000 rescue workers will be mobilized in Paris and its suburbs for France's national day on Saturday and on Sunday, when France meets Croatia for the World Cup final match in Moscow.

A military parade will be held on the Champs-Elysee on Bastille Day. If France wins the World Cup, revelers would go there to celebrate. The match is being screened in a fan zone near the Eiffel Tower.

The excitement brings pressure for police officers. Delpuech says a "real terrorist threat" exists for such large public gatherings.