In France what do the Gendarmerie do when they're not dealing with rioters?

[sandyRoe]

They can't spend their days kicking their heels in barracks waiting for the next riot to start?

[Mamyalynne]

Its missions include:
The policing of the countryside, rivers, coastal areas, and small towns with populations under 20,000, that are outside of the jurisdiction of the French National Police. About half the French population is under the direct jurisdiction of the Gendarmerie;
Criminal investigations under judiciary supervision;
Crowd control and other security activities;
The security of airports and military installations, as well as all investigations relating to the military, including foreign interventions;
Participation in ceremonies involving foreign heads of state or heads of government; and
Provision of military police services to the French military.
To fulfill the tasks pertaining to internal security, the Minister of the Interior, Internal Security and Local Rights is responsible for the use of the services of the National Gendarmerie. "To this end and in relation with the Minister of Defence, the Minister outlines the duties of the Gendarmerie services, save for the tasks related to criminal investigation, determines the conditions of fulfillment of these duties and the resulting terms of organisation" (decree dated 15 May 2002).