Sûreté Nationale (Morocco)

History

Pre-colonial

Before the 20th century, a regionalized Shurta (police) enforced Sharia law and ensured security across the country. During the Almohad caliphate, the caliph also took on the role of ṣāḥib al-shurṭa (head of police).

There were regional and tribal Muhtasibs (equivalent to a police commissioner) who were appointed by the Pasha. The Muhtasib had the power to issue fines for minor offenses. Criminals were tried in front of a Qadi, the judge of a Sharia court. The Qadi issued judgements in criminal, civil and commercial cases.

On July 20, 1901, Morocco formed its first national border patrol. The patrol was in charge of ensuring the security of the border with French Algeria, under the control of a commissioner in Oujda.

In 1906, the Algeciras Conference led to various police reforms in Morocco. The reforms established a national police force that would fall under the Sultan's sovereign authority. The police force's recruitment would be overseen by the Makhzen and commanded by Caïds. Additionally, the police force would be stationed in the eight ports that were open to international trade.

Protectorate

In 1912, the General Police Service was created after the installement of the French Protectorate in Morocco. In 1913, a forensic identification unit was formed. A general forensic identification service was formed in November 1931.

Post-independence

On May 16, 1956, a year after Morocco gained independence, the DGSN was formed. The Royal Institute of Police in Kenitra was inaugurated in 1978. The Scientific and Technical Police Laboratory in Casablanca was created in 1991.

On 8 September 2023, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 Mw hit the Marrakesh-Safi region of Morocco. DGSN along with DGST has announced it will contribute MAD 50 million to Special Fund for Managing Earthquake Effects. They set up two mobile bakeries near Marrakech, to provide bread to those who were affected by the earthquake.

Organization

In 2007, the Sûreté Nationale had approximately 46,000 personnel. A decade later, in 2017, the number of personnel had increased to 70,000.

As of 2004, the Sûreté Nationale operated the following specialist divisions:

• The Border Police: responsible for border control and surveillance
• Mobile Intervention Corps: tasked with rapid intervention in major emergencies
• National Brigade: primarily responsible for investigation of serious crimes, including terrorism, organized and white-collar crime.

Directors

• Mohammed Laghzaoui (1956–1960)
• Mohamed Oufkir (1960 – mid 1960s)
• Ahmed Dlimi (mid 1960s – 1972)
• Abderrahmane Rabiah (1972–1979)
• Slimane Alaoui (1979–1979)
• Abdelhak Kadirin (1979–1983)
• Hamid El Boukhari (1983–1988)
• Mohammed Dryef (1989–1990)
• General Ouazzani (1990–1993)
• Ahmed Midaoui (1993–1997)
• Hafid Benhachem (1997–2003)
• Hamidou Laanigri (2003–2006)
• Charki Draiss (2006–2012)
• Bouchaib Rmail (2012–2015)
• Abdellatif Hammouchi (2015–present)

Police ranks

Police in uniform

Non Uniform Police

References

References

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3. (22 December 2021). "DGSN RH : un effectif total 78.146 fonctionnaires".
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5. Rivet, Daniel. (2012). "Histoire du Maroc : de Moulay Idrîs à Mohammed VI". A. Fayard.
6. Fillias, Achille. (1860). "L'Espagne et le Maroc en 1860". Poulet-Malassis et De Broise.
7. Godard, Léon Nicolas. (1860). "Description et histoire du Maroc". C. Tanera.
8. (1963-10-30). "LA FRONTIÈRE ALGÉRO-MAROCAINE ET LE PROTOCOLE DU 20 JUILLET 1901". Le Monde.fr.
9. Pinon, René. (1903). "Figuig et la politique française au Maroc". Revue des Deux Mondes.
10. (1956-03-22). "Au delà ce ne sont que limites traditionnelles et administratives". Le Monde.fr.
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12. "Algeciras Conference".
13. (2018-08-16). "The Algeciras' Conference (Chap. 1)".
14. (1906). "Acte général de la Conférence internationale d'Algeciras".
15. (1913-10-24). "ARRETE VIZIRIEL relatif a l'organisation d'un service anthropométrique au Maroc". Bulletin officiel de l'Empire chérifien.
16. (2017-01-10). "Histoire de la police scientifique (1832-1951)". Musée Criminocorpus.
17. Lahrach, Yassir. (13 May 2022). "La DGSN, vue de l'extérieur".
18. "Histoire de la DGSN : Les dates phares". Maghreb Arabe Presse.
19. (2023-09-08). "Morocco earthquake: More than 2,000 dead as tremors felt in several regions". BBC News.
20. "Over 2,000 dead as powerful earthquake hits Morocco near Marrakesh". Al Jazeera.
21. (2023-09-11). "DGSN/DGST Will Contribute MAD 50 million to Special Fund for Managing Earthquake Effects". HESPRESS English - Morocco News.
22. Erraji, Abdellah. (11 September 2023). "Earthquake Relief: Moroccan Police Donate $4.9 Million to Special Fund". Morocco World News.
23. "DGSN/DGST Will Contribute 50 MDH to Special Fund for Managing Earthquake Effects {{!}} MapNews".
24. Erraji, Abdellah. (14 September 2023). "DGSN Set Up Mobile Bakeries in Tahanaout, Near Marrakech". Morocco World News.
25. (13 October 2004). "Commander of the Faithful: Morocco, the King and the Internal Security Forces". U.S. Department of Defense.