The prefect was the state's representative in each province (dipartimento), and had two main functions: the first was to implement the administrative decisions of the central government and to control the local authorities, the second was leadership of the police.
Prefekt oli riigi esindaja igas provintsis, ja tal oli kaks põhiülesannet: esimene oli rakendada keskvalitsuse haldusotsuseid ja kontrollida kohalikke võime, teine oli politsei juhtimine.