General Directorate of National Security 2024 Report
In line with the communication approach adopted annually by the services of the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) to enhance its openness on its environment, lay the foundations of security governance, reinforce security co-production and enshrine the correlation between responsibility and accountability, the DGSN presents its annual report for the year 2024. This report provides a global and cross-cutting view of the public police service’s actions across various fields, in line with citizens’ expectations, notably in terms of its contribution to the digital transformation of public services and the modernization of police facilities, the efforts deployed to strengthen the feeling of security and the fight against crime. It also concerns mechanisms for managing the professional lives of police officers and institutional communication, so as to create an integrated professional climate enabling them to carry out their mission optimally, in addition to the presentation of projects relating to security and public order for the upcoming year. As part of this communication process, the DGSN is presenting an outline of the 2024 report, based on the following main themes: CNIE 2.0: From ID Card to Electronic Service Tool In 2024, General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) transitioned to the second phase of deploying digital administrative infrastructures designed for citizens and foreign residents in Morocco. DGSN has undertaken a process to broaden institutional partnerships, allowing a wide and diverse network of public and private entities to benefit from the services offered by the second generation of the National Electronic Identity Card (CNIE). This includes expanding the use of the National Trust Platform for Digital Identity Authentication, connected to the Digital Identity platform developed by DGSN experts. In its 2024 annual report, the DGSN highlighted that the National Trust Platform for Digital Identity Authentication became an integrated digital tool this year. This tool enables citizens to securely access a range of services provided by public and private sectors, protecting their personal data while allowing cardholders to identify, authenticate, and use their electronic identity for various administrative and financial transactions. These services can be accessed either in person, through the card’s embedded electronic chip, or remotely via the Digital Identity system, compatible with the most widely used mobile devices in the country. As part of the broader implementation of this public service, the DGSN has continued to promote a partnership-based approach, signing agreements with professional organizations and institutions overseeing administrative, commercial, and social services. In this regard, 17 framework agreements and protocols were signed with entities such as Bank Al-Maghrib, the Professional Group of Moroccan Banks, the Professional Group of Payment Institutions, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Moroccan Federation of Insurance. Additional agreements were established with the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, insurance regulatory bodies, the National Agency for Health Insurance, the national notaries’ association, the Deposit and Management Fund, the Interprofessional Moroccan Pension Fund, the Ministry of National Education, Higher Education, and Sports, the National Road Safety Agency, and the National Social Welfare Agency. These agreements and protocols aim to integrate the digital identification system provided by the CNIE 2.0 into government departments and affiliated institutions directly, in collaboration with the Digital Development Agency and the National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data. Beyond these agreements, the DGSN has directly authorized over 30 public and private establishments to use the National Trust Platform for Digital Identity Authentication. These include the Ministry of Justice (criminal record checks), the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (National Craft Register), the Directorate General of Local Authorities under the Ministry of the Interior, the National Office of Industrial and Commercial Property, the Ministry of Equipment and Water, the Tax Authority, Customs Administration, and numerous national banks, financing institutions, and real estate credit providers. To support this platform, the DGSN updated the system in 2024 to meet operational needs expressed by public and private service providers. This update included, for the first time, incorporating biometric passports and the next generation of residency permits into identity authentication processes, alongside the CNIE. Service providers can now receive a digital authentication receipt instead of retaining a copy of the identification document. Additionally, the Mon e-ID app underwent a comprehensive update, improving user experience, synchronizing with service providers’ mobile applications (banks, commercial institutions), and introducing features like automated QR code generation to accelerate identity authentication and support facial recognition technologies. Accompanying this digital transformation, the DGSN launched the integrated digital services portal E-Police, offering a range of interactive administrative police services to all citizens across Morocco. This portal provides ease of use and incorporates advanced e-administration technologies, such as rapid request processing, remote identity authentication, and robust personal data protection. The DGSN prioritized digitizing the application for the Anthropometric Record, making it the first administrative service integrated into the E-Police portal. This allows citizens to request this document remotely after authenticating their identity via the Mon e-ID app and the National Trust Platform for Digital Identity Authentication. In addition to the Anthropometric Record service, the portal connects to various other digital services offered by the DGSN, such as scheduling appointments to obtain an electronic identity card and registering for police recruitment exams. Future plans aim to expand this project to include digitized applications for additional administrative documents, such as residence certificates and electronic ID card renewals. – CNIE 2.0: A Transnational Proximity Service With the aim of strengthening proximity services and extending the benefits offered by the new generation of identity documents, 2024 has been marked by intensified action plans to bring and generalize access to the electronic national identity card for all citizens across Morocco. To this end, 80 new mobile units have been deployed. These are utility vehicles equipped and connected to the identity document information system, which have carried out numerous exceptional operations to provide identity documents to 130,242 residents in remote urban and rural areas. Urgent operations have been organized in this regard to immediately respond to requests from citizens wishing to obtain electronic identity documents in areas affected by natural disasters or extraordinary situations. For instance, Mobile units were deployed to assist in renewing identity documents for victims of the Al Haouz earthquake. A similar operation was organized for victims of floods in the Tata province and certain regions in eastern Morocco. Additionally, a special operation was launched for individuals granted Royal Pardon who had previously faced prosecution for illegal cannabis cultivation. This initiative was later expanded to benefit most residents of northern regions of the Kingdom, such as Taza, Taounate, Ouazzane, and Al Hoceima. To expedite ID use for Moroccans abroad, a program for recording identity data was rolled out in 71 centers located within Moroccan consular and diplomatic representations abroad. This significantly reduced the time required to obtain the electronic national identity card, resulting in the issuance of 219,408 electronic national identity cards for Moroccan expats in 2024. Overall, a total of 4,696,069 next-generation electronic national identity cards were issued in 2024, with 3,449,678 cards produced at the Rabat issuance center and 1,246,391 at the Marrakech center, established as part of a citizen proximity policy. Additionally, 1,513,569 biometric records were issued, along with 51,391 residence permits for foreigners, 21,270 entry visas to the national territory, and 3,310 new-generation exceptional residence permits. Digital Service Platform: Technological Solutions to Serve Citizens (DGSN) The technical teams have modernized and updated several IT systems aimed at enhancing citizen security, by connecting the IT system for managing police districts (GESTARR) to the new IT system for managing criminal cases and offenses processed by local entities. They have also digitized established procedures in order to ensure optimal processing of judicial cases. This platform enables the monitoring of case processing, leveraging data provided by GESTARR, from initial stages through to submission to the competent judicial authorities. It encompasses all investigation and inquiry measures along the way. The DGSN notes that this system is being deployed in the police prefectures of Kenitra, Tangier, Settat, Marrakech, Meknes, in the regional security of Ouarzazate, Errachidia, Taza, El Hoceima and in the provincial security in Salé, Safi, El Jadida, with a view to its generalization nationally. In parallel, the technical services of the DGSN have contributed to developing several IT apps and solutions to allow police officers to better carry out their missions. In this regard, an independent IT program was developed to allow judicial identification services to build and manage an integrated national database of suspects’ composite sketches, enriched with detailed identity and physical appearance characteristics. This app, integrated with a dedicated AI solution, enables judicial police services in charge of criminal investigations to identify suspects quickly and accurately, adding that the use of this application is currently in the operational testing phase at the police prefectures of Casablanca and Agadir, with a view to its generalization in the near future. In accordance with the international standards required for the National Laboratory of Scientific and Technical Police to obtain ISO 17025 certification for all its activities, the DGSN IT teams have equipped this Laboratory with a series of innovative digital solutions, which ensure precise monitoring of judicial evidence handling, from receipt and seal opening to analysis and submission of results to the competent services, according to an end-to-end digitalized process that adheres to the technical standards and professional ethics requirements relating to the integrity of evidence preservation. Furthermore, to enhance the effectiveness of security interventions in public spaces and to strengthen mechanisms for monitoring police patrols, the DGSN services have continued the generalization of an integrated urban video surveillance system in 2024. This system is based on public networks of surveillance cameras installed across the major urban areas in Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Agadir, Rabat, Tetouan, Safi and Oujda. This system, developed and operated through partnerships with competent local authorities, is complemented by over 4,300 bod-worn cameras and an additional array of cameras installed in police vehicles. All these devices are connected to new-generation command and coordination rooms, in order to guarantee speed and effective interventions in public spaces. To further enhance this video surveillance system, the DGSN services have introduced surveillance mechanisms utilizing drones. A total of 26 integrated systems of these drones have been acquired, specifically designed to combat networks engaged in irregular immigration, human trafficking, and drug trafficking in border areas. This system also facilitates the oversight of major events and sporting activities scheduled to take place in our country in the coming years. Numerous police officers have been trained in operating this technical equipment and utilizing the data it produces to enhance security operations. As part of a strategic plan to integrate AI into its operations, the DGSN advanced its testing of the second generation of a new system designed to leverage urban surveillance camera networks and body-worn cameras. This system aims to enable the automatic recognition of license plates on urban roads. This project, which has reached an advanced stage at the police headquarters in Casablanca and Agadir, successfully identified 246 vehicles reported stolen and 410 vehicles linked to individuals subject to national arrest warrants for suspected involvement in various crimes this year. Leveraging new communication technologies to better serve citizens, the use of the social platform “Facebook” to disseminate and circulate search notices for missing children has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of the “Tifli Moukhtafi” (My Child is Missing) software. This system, integrated with police districts nationwide, facilitated the identification and location of 59 minors reported missing under suspicious circumstances this year. Modernizing Police Structures: Reinforcing Proximity, Diversifying Security Offer The year 2024 saw the continuation of construction works on the new central headquarters of the General Directorate of National Security in Rabat, which is intended to be an administrative complex that harmonizes the beauty of modern Moroccan architecture with the architectural and functional standards followed in the construction of security establishments classified as highly sensitive. Construction works have reached a completion rate of 90% on a large part of the outbuildings and equipment of this facility, which is due to be officially inaugurated during 2025 according to the initial schedule. As part of the drive to strengthen local policing structures and provide support for urban sprawl services in new urban centers, the DGSN has created 19 new security structures this year, according to the DGSN’s 2024 annual report. These include supporting the urban sprawl of the city of Nador by upgrading the city’s provincial security district to a regional district and reinforcing this new structure with logistical, human and operational resources, in addition to creating four new police districts in Al Hoceima, Souk Sebt Ouled Nema, Fès-Ville and Sidi Youssef Ben Ali in Marrakech. In 2024, the DGSN inaugurated a new command and coordination room at the Kenitra police prefecture, with a view to strengthening community policing. This is an integral security structure for the management of field operations and the implementation of several operational missions such as road safety, police-rescue and urban control by cameras. This structure will complement the mobile police rescue brigade set up in Kenitra in 2023, to operate on a 7/7 and 24/24 basis, ensuring that all calls for help from citizens are answered as quickly as possible and within deadlines that are constantly monitored by the relevant departments at central and regional levels. As part of the same policy of strengthening field units to respond to citizens’ calls for help, the Marrakech police prefecture’s police-rescue units have been reinforced, with the creation of two mobile motorcycle brigades in the Marrakech-Menara and Marrakech-Gueliz security districts. In the same vein, the DGSN has launched integrated projects to strengthen the main command and coordination center at the Casablanca police headquarters, through a mobile police-rescue brigade, which will be equipped with substantial logistical and human resources through the training of dozens of police officers. This brigade shall cover the Casablanca urban hub, which includes 13 police districts. To keep pace with the densification of road traffic, the DGSN launched six new traffic accident reporting units in the cities of Marrakech, Casablanca, Salé and Kenitra, and created five road traffic units covering the police districts of the Marrakech police prefecture. These units and all similar teams nationwide will soon be equipped with over 180 new-generation speed control radars, in partnership with the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA). As part of the preparations for the major sporting events to be held in the Kingdom starting next year, the sports units in the cities of Rabat, Marrakech, Fez, Agadir and Tangier, which will be hosting 2025 African Cup of Nations matches, have been upgraded to prefectoral sports security brigades, while reinforcing them with qualified human resources and the necessary logistical and transport equipment. In the same vein, the DGSN set up a “prefectural sports security service” in Casablanca, a major milestone in establishing a Moroccan model for securing international football matches. In 2024, the DGSN created several new police structures to support the expansion and densification of traffic at sea and air border crossings. These include police stations at the Tan-Tan seaport, Moulay Ali Cherif airport in Rissani and Zagora airport, which are security structures dedicated both to border police missions and to securing air and sea transport buildings and equipment. 2024 also saw the continuation of efforts to reinforce territorial units with specialized brigades, including the creation of three dog-handling brigades at the Casablanca Police Prefecture, the Al Hoceima Regional Security and the Safi Provincial Security, as well as the creation of the mobile catering unit belonging to the GMS 99 mobile security group. This is a mobile unit equipped with canteens and mobile kitchen equipment, designed to provide autonomous catering services for mobile brigades during major law enforcement operations and in remote areas and difficult-to-access terrain. In addition, the DGSN is further rolling out the new generation of weapons and functional equipment used in security operations to neutralize offensive individuals or those who refuse to obey police officers, while preserving their physical integrity and protecting police officers. Thus, the “BOLAWRAP” alternative weapon was introduced in the regional security services of Taza, Ouarzazate, Al Hoceima and Nador, and in the provincial security services of El Jadida and Safi, which were equipped with dozens of this weapon. In addition, some 14 police commands have been equipped with a total of 560 “TASER-7” tasers. To date, more than 117 security interventions have been carried out using this new functional equipment, an increase of 194.5% compared with 2023. Crime-fighting Statistics: Clearance Rates Climb as Violent Crime Indicators Show Decline The year 2024 was characterized by an increase in the clearance rate of offenses, in parallel with a decline in crime indicators, in a context marked by the continued implementation of the 2022-2026 anti-crime strategy. As part of this strategy, DGSN focused on strengthening crime-fighting structures, developing scientific and technical police laboratories, and systematically using criminal intelligence and technical support mechanisms in criminal investigations. It also stressed its commitment to enshrining the human rights dimension in the police function, particularly regarding custody procedures and the oversight of detention facilities. Additionally, it highlighted efforts to enhance coordination with DGST services in addressing highly complex criminal cases. In a bid to bolster mechanisms for combating cybercrime and cyber-terrorism, DGSN experts developed, in 2024, the interactive “E-Blagh” platform, which went live on June 3. This platform aims to involve citizens in the prevention and reporting of criminal threats and terrorist risks on Internet. The year was also marked by the implementation of several institutional partnerships aimed at perfecting criminal investigation techniques and adapting them to the human rights system. This includes the framework partnership agreement signed with the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), which covers training for law enforcement officers in police custody facilities. Similarly, a joint plan was drawn up to consolidate the ongoing training of judicial police officers, in collaboration with the Presidency of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Royal Gendarmerie Command. This year has also seen the implementation of recommendations relating to the respect of human rights in security action, with the organization of a total of 3,537 training sessions over the last five years, and the distribution of 710 memos to enable police officers to appropriate the culture of human rights, humanize the conditions of police custody and highlight best practices in law enforcement. In the same vein, 2,250 unannounced control operations of police custody and detention facilities of minors were carried out. In support of these achievements, the year 2024 saw the organization of a joint booth by the Directorate General of National Security and the National Human Rights Council during the fifth edition of the National Security Open Days in Agadir. A guide on the guarantees and rights of persons deprived of liberty during the investigation phase was developed in Arabic, Amazigh, French, and English and made available to police officers assigned to detention and preventive custody facilities. As part of strengthening anti-crime structures, the number of anti-gang units was increased to 26 specialized brigades distributed across the national territory. These units were equipped with alternative weapons, including the TASER-7 electric stun gun, 104 all-terrain vehicles, 720 motorcycles of various capacities, and uniforms suitable for all types of interventions. They were also equipped with 60 specialized dogs trained to detect explosives, weapons, narcotics, banknotes, and locate corpses. Regarding crime-fighting statistics, a total of 755,541 criminal cases were recorded, a slight increase compared to the 738,748 cases registered in 2023. However, violent crimes directly impacting citizens’ sense of security saw a significant 10% decrease. Thus, cases of aggravated theft decreased by 24%, vehicle thefts by 20%, violent thefts by 12%, and burglaries by 10%. Similarly, sexual assaults dropped by 4%, drug-related cases by 7%, and thefts targeting bank agencies by 45%. In parallel, the crime resolution rate reached a record level of 95%, reflecting the continuous progress achieved over the past eight years. Qualitative analysis shows that violent crimes remained at their minimal level of 7% of recorded criminal cases, totaling 49,838 incidents. This led to the arrest of 29,959 individuals, including 10,720 who were wanted persons. Additionally, police services dismantled 947 criminal gangs specializing in aggravated thefts, leading to the arrest of 1,561 individuals involved in these acts. Furthermore, 119 vehicles and 75 motorcycles used in these criminal activities were seized. Regarding narcotics, a 7% decrease was recorded, with 92,346 cases processed and 119,692 individuals arrested, including 287 foreign nationals. Seizures included 123 tons and 971 kg of cannabis resin, 1.948 tons of cocaine, 16.53 kg of heroin, and 1,429,052 psychotropic substances, including 773,493 ecstasy tablets. Two attempts to traffic medications containing internationally controlled narcotic substances were thwarted, resulting in the seizure of 704,000 bottles containing illicit substances. These shipments originated from Asia and were destined for Sub-Saharan Africa. Finally, a significant decrease of 47% in cases related to the drug known as “L’Boufa” and a 52% reduction in the number of individuals involved were recorded, despite a 58% increase in the quantities seized, attributed to enhanced border controls. A total of 8.331 kg of “L’Boufa” was seized in 2024. Regarding cases related to illegal immigration, the efforts of National Security services in 2024 led to the dismantling of 123 criminal networks involved in organizing illegal immigration and human trafficking, representing a 2% increase compared to 2023. In its annual report for 2024, the DGSN reported the arrest of 425 organizers and intermediaries involved in migration operations, the seizure of 713 forged travel documents, and the prevention of migration attempts by 32,449 candidates, including 9,250 foreign nationals. This year was also marked by a new criminal modus operandi related to illegal migration, involving social media posts encouraging collective migration. Police operations identified 65 instigators, 41 of whom were arrested and referred to the judiciary while in detention. Four others were subjected to judicial investigations, and their cases were referred to the judiciary. National search warrants were issued for 11 individuals suspected of inciting these criminal acts. Furthermore, offenses related to cybercrime, extortion, and online blackmail increased by 40%, with 8,333 cases reported. The number of blackmail-related contents detected reached 3,265, while 956 international warrants were issued in connection with these cases. A total of 563 individuals were arrested and brought before the judiciary for such offenses. Cases of sextortion using IT tools saw a notable decrease of 23%, with 391 cases recorded. These resulted in the arrest of 163 individuals involved in these criminal acts, which targeted 394 victims, including 123 foreign nationals. Similarly, the “E-blagh” platform, dedicated to citizen reports of online offenses, received a total of 12,614 reports since its launch in June 2024, all of which were processed in accordance with the law. These offenses include defamation, incitement, and threats to commit criminal acts of extortion online, identity theft, and the glorification of terrorism. Regarding financial and economic offenses and money laundering, the DGSN stated that in 2024, its services continued to strengthen and develop criminal investigation techniques for these types of offenses. This effort encompassed both the National Brigade of Judicial Police and the four regional judicial police brigades under its jurisdiction in Rabat, Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech. These brigades handled 656 cases related to economic and financial offenses and money laundering, representing a 27% increase compared to the previous year. Judicial decisions on asset freezes were executed in 415 cases, and criminal assets valued at 331,907,537 dirhams were seized, including 101,881,322 dirhams specifically in money laundering cases. Drug-related cases rank first among offenses linked to money laundering, accounting for a total of 295 cases (45%), followed by economic and financial offenses, with 195 cases (29%). In the same context, DGSN services recorded 504 cases related to public governance in 2024, a 5% decrease compared to the previous year. These cases involved corruption and influence peddling (214 cases), embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds (192 cases), as well as extortion and abuse of power (98 cases). A total of 689 individuals suspected of involvement in these types of offenses were identified. Regarding economic and financial offenses, currency trafficking cases decreased by 21%, with only 30 cases involving seven foreign nationals. A similar downward trend was observed in check-related offenses, with 44,906 cases handled, representing a 23% decline compared to 2023. Regarding offenses involving fraudulent payment methods and banknote counterfeiting, there was a 32% increase, with 573 cases handled. These included 146 cases of counterfeiting and 427 cases related to the falsification of payment instruments and bank cards. As part of these cases, police services seized 1,098 counterfeit national banknotes and 3,251 counterfeit foreign banknotes, including 147,900 fake U.S. dollars, 399,685 fake euros, and 400 fake British pounds. Additionally, 31 criminal networks were dismantled, and 203 individuals suspected of involvement in these offenses were arrested and brought before the judiciary. The DGSN services also seized 62 electronic and IT devices used in counterfeiting and monetary fraud cases, which resulted in estimated losses of 25,735,050 DH, primarily due to the use of fraudulent techniques known as “Phishing” and “Vishing.” Regarding efforts to combat terrorism, extremism, and the glorification of terrorist acts, the National Brigade of Judicial Police referred 32 individuals suspected of involvement in such cases to the competent prosecution during 2024. This figure does not include the terrorist cells dismantled by the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations under the DGST. These individuals brought before the justice system in terrorism-related cases are categorized as follows: 5 individuals for their links to a terrorist cell preparing terrorist acts and glorifying terrorism, 24 individuals for inciting others to join foreign terrorist organizations, 2 individuals suspected of planning a terrorist act, and 1 individual for threats to commit a terrorist act. Regarding the performance of forensic science and technical police services, 2024 was marked by continued efforts to develop these services to support investigations. In this context, the National Forensic Science and Technical Laboratory in Casablanca obtained the “ISO 17025” accreditation across all scientific and technical specialties for the seventh consecutive year. This distinction positively impacted the quality of scientific expertise conducted, while also increasing the case resolution rate. Additionally, this certification contributed to strengthening fair trial mechanisms by relying on scientific evidence in investigations. In the same vein, the Forensic Science and Technical Laboratory in Casablanca finalized a twinning and cooperation agreement in 2024 with the American Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, focusing on assistance and coordination in investigative matters. As part of ongoing international partnerships, the Laboratory worked on sharing experiences and expertise with similar institutions in friendly African countries, in addition to acquiring a mobile laboratory, “DIM-LAB P3,” dedicated to detecting and identifying biological components. Furthermore, the technical services of the National Security Institute of Forensic Sciences processed 730 expertise requests related to forged documents (+2.5%) and conducted 132 analyses of counterfeit national and foreign banknotes, as well as 280 ballistic examinations involving 168 firearms, 46 replica weapons, and 6,240 rounds of ammunition, reflecting a 6% increase compared to 2023. The Central Service for Digital Evidence and Photography, along with regional laboratories for digital trace analysis, recorded a total of 7,332 expertise requests, which involved the examination of 29,182 electronic devices, representing an 18% increase compared to the previous year. Regarding the National Forensic Science and Technical Laboratory in Casablanca, it received a total of 21,859 scientific expertise requests during the year, including 17,557 requests for DNA sample analysis and compliance, representing a 7.5% increase compared to the previous year, and 1,589 requests for forensic chemistry expertise, an increase of 14.5%. Meanwhile, the narcotics and forensic toxicology service handled 2,353 expertise requests related to narcotics and psychotropic substances, reflecting a 14% increase. Regarding road safety indicators, the year 2024 recorded 96,810 bodily injury accidents in urban areas, representing a 14% increase. This directly impacted the overall toll of road accident victims, which included 1,063 fatalities, 5,046 serious injuries, and 126,147 minor injuries. Regarding traffic control measures, they were strengthened through the intensification of traffic police patrols and the reinforcement of mobile traffic brigades, resulting in 390,015 reports issued for road traffic violations, an increase of approximately 6.5%. The number of Transactional and Fixed Penalties (ATF) imposed rose from 1,679,331 fines in 2023 to 1,848,202 fines this year, reflecting a 10% increase. Security Cooperation: International Recognition of the Moroccan Model and Expansion to New Partnerships The year 2024 was marked by numerous achievements for Morocco in the realm of international security cooperation, most notably the election of the Directorate General of National Security’s candidate as Vice President of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for the African continent. This election was secured by a significant majority over other candidates during the voting process held on the sidelines of the 92nd Interpol General Assembly, which took place in Glasgow, Scotland, from November 4 to 7, 2024. As a member of Interpol’s Executive Committee holding the position of Vice President for Africa, the DGSN aspires to enhance police structures across Africa and promote South-South security cooperation, in line with the High Royal Directives positioning cooperation with African countries as a strategic priority for the Kingdom. This year was also characterized by the Kingdom’s engagement with new international partners in Latin America, Asia, and Africa, aiming to advance its interests in these regions. In this regard, a memorandum of understanding was signed on May 21, 2024, between the Director General of the Brazilian Federal Police and the Director General of the DGSN-DGST hub. Additionally, on October 7, 2024, the Director General held virtual discussions with the Director General of Criminal Police in Chile. The Director General of the DGSN-DGST hub also held a series of meetings and discussions on the sidelines of the 92nd Interpol General Assembly and the 8th Interpol Meeting of Police Chiefs from the MENA region. These engagements aimed to strengthen security cooperation with several of the Kingdom’s traditional and new partners. Notable talks included meetings with the Deputy Minister of the Turkish Ministry of Interior, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, the Deputy Director General of the Hong Kong Police, the Director General of Police in Senegal, the Head of the National Central Bureau of China’s Ministry of State Security, and the Director General of the Norwegian Police. The latter expressed Norway’s willingness to deepen cooperation with Morocco through the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the DGSN in the field of security. The DGSN has also focused on strengthening the framework governing its security cooperation with police services in friendly and brotherly nations. In this regard, a memorandum of understanding was signed on March 6, 2024, with the London Police Command to enhance cooperation with the DGSN-DGST hub in counter-terrorism efforts. Additionally, another memorandum of understanding was signed on September 23, 2024, focusing on police training and investment in human resources between the DGSN and the Abu Dhabi Police Command. The year 2024 also witnessed the consolidation of security partnerships with France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and Italy. This was achieved through intensified exchanges of visits with key officials, including the Directors General of Internal and External Security in France, the Director General of the Italian National Police, the President of the German Federal Criminal Police Office, the Administrator General of the Belgian State Security Service, and the Commissioner General of the Belgian Federal Police. Of note, on December 5, 2024, the Belgian Federal Police signed an action plan on security cooperation with the DGSN. The Director General of the DGSN-DGST was also the guest of honor at the ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of the creation of the Spanish police force. Regarding global and multilateral security cooperation, the DGSN continued to strengthen its ties with international and regional organizations, as well as with United Nations offices tasked with combating crime and narcotics and protecting women victims of violence. In this context, the Director General of the DGSN-DGST held discussions with the President of Interpol, Ahmed Nasser Al Risi, and the outgoing Secretary General of the organization, Jürgen Stock, as well as with the newly appointed Secretary General of Interpol, Valdecy Urquiza, and its Director of Cybercrime, Neal Jetton. In the area of police cooperation and academic training, the Director General of the DGSN-DGST participated as a member of the Higher Council of the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) in the work of this decision-making body. This meeting provided an opportunity to present Morocco’s proposals for advancing police training in the Arab world in response to evolving changes and new challenges in this domain. For statistics related to international police cooperation, the International Police Cooperation Division under the DGSN processed, during the current year, 6,800 cases and information requests, of which 10% related to drug cases, 9% to irregular migration, 25% to the bilateral exploitation of personal data databases, and 36% to information requests. Cooperation with Spain ranked first with 37%, followed by police cooperation with France (28%), then Germany (11%), the United States (10%), Austria (3%), and the Netherlands with 2%. For cooperation in the field of technical assistance and the exchange of expertise and experiences, the DGSN completed this year the construction and equipping of the Advanced Police Training Center in Ifrane. This facility, set to open in the first half of 2025, will serve as a specialized training center for police officers and agents from Morocco, Africa, and friendly and brotherly countries. Regarding technical assistance in police training, 2,019 Moroccan police officers benefited from training programs initiated as part of international cooperation, 87% of which were conducted in-person, and 58% organized within Morocco. Regarding operational security cooperation, the Interpol National Central Bureau in Rabat processed 7,053 information requests and facilitated cooperation on 2,229 cases related to the international trafficking of stolen vehicles. This led to the seizure of 380 vehicles reported as stolen abroad, as listed in Interpol’s databases. The Interpol National Central Bureau in Rabat also oversaw the execution of 125 international letters rogatory issued by foreign authorities and issued 121 international arrest warrants, leading to the arrest of 135 individuals wanted internationally by Moroccan judicial authorities. The bureau also issued 2,831 national arrest warrants in response to requests from security services of foreign countries and red notices from Interpol. Additionally, it released 280 search alerts initiated by liaison offices of Arab countries and disseminated 1,715 suspension notices for international arrest warrants and 503 notices of terminated searches, issued at the request of judicial authorities from other Arab countries. In the same vein, 82 individuals wanted internationally by Moroccan judicial authorities were extradited to Morocco, representing an increase of over 52% compared to 2023. Additionally, 45 foreign nationals were arrested in Morocco pursuant to international arrest warrants issued against them, while 35 individuals were extradited to the requesting countries. Management of the professional career of police officers 1- Recruitment and Training of Police Officers: For Proven Professional Skills The year 2024 was marked by the acceleration of the implementation of the new Police Recruitment and Training Charter, which saw an increase in the number of new recruits, both women and men, called to undergo basic training at the Royal Police Institute and its affiliated schools. These new officers, totaling 9,493 police personnel of various ranks, are expected to strengthen the overall number of police human resources, after completing training periods ranging from 6 months to a maximum of two years. In its report for the year 2024, the Directorate General of National Security states that the current year saw the organization of 6 external competitions for the recruitment of 6,523 police officers, distributed as follows: 46 Chief Police Commissioners, 90 Police Commissioners, 400 Police Officers, 50 Peace Officers, 2,500 Police Inspectors, and 3,437 Peacekeepers. Candidates applied for these positions through the publicly accessible online portal. The announcement of these competitions was widely made on television channels, as well as through modern communication platforms and several national newspapers, to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, in addition to broadening the reach of the announcement to all applicants. These recruitment competitions saw the participation of over 93,415 candidates, both men and women, who took the written exams for the National Security competitions, held across 221 examination centers in various regions and provinces of the Kingdom. The written exams for the Peacekeepers competition saw the participation of 49,062 male and female candidates, while 21,448 candidates took part in the Police Inspectors competition, 14,447 in the Police Officers competition, 1,254 in the Peace Officers competition, and 7,204 in the Police Commissioners competition. This reflects the growing interest of Moroccan youth in the police profession, which has the noble and fundamental goal of serving the country and its citizens. On the other hand, 13,248 police officers benefited from professional police training programs during this year. Of these, 72% received basic training courses for new recruits in the National Security ranks, around 17% participated in continuous training courses, and approximately 3% received specialized training in various police fields. To strengthen the police human resources with skilled personnel and qualified graduates from the Royal Police Institute and its affiliated schools in Laâyoune, Oujda, Fès, and Tangier, this year saw the assignment of 4,893 police officers to various central and decentralized services of the National Security. This included 7 Chief Police Commissioners from senior cadres, such as Engineers, Doctors, and PhD holders in various scientific specialties, in addition to 80 Police Commissioners, 255 Police Officers, 45 Peace Officers, 1,744 Police Inspectors, and 2,762 Peacekeepers. The assignment of new recruits to the National Security was carried out based on specific criteria related to the coverage of urban areas, in line with a vision that takes into account the evolution of the security infrastructure map and the needs of citizens, while prioritizing cities experiencing rapid urbanization. In this regard, 554 police officers, both men and women, were assigned to the police prefecture of Laâyoune, 382 officers to Rabat, 368 to Casablanca, 296 officers to the regional security in Al Hoceima, and 246 others to the regional security in Ouarzazate, among others. 2- Incentive and discipline on duty: mechanisms for good governance Throughout 2024, the National Security Directorate focused on strengthening functional incentives through an integrated approach that prioritizes the well-being of police officers. This approach includes implementing various mechanisms for professional incentives and support, as well as creating a healthy work environment that guarantees job security. In this regard, the year was highlighted by the announcement of annual promotions for the 2023 fiscal year, benefiting a total of 7,513 police officers of different ranks, including 280 women. The percentage of eligible candidates who received promotions stood at 66.02%, comprising 4,810 uniformed officers and 2,703 plainclothes officers. The National Security Directorate (DGSN) also upheld the “annual regularity” in reviewing and announcing promotion files. The advancement commission recently completed the examination of 15,452 candidates for grade promotions for the current year, with the results expected to be announced as usual at the end of the year. Additionally, the DGSN paid special attention to officers in lower and intermediate ranks to ensure they benefit from promotions, which are among the most significant incentive measures. Similarly, the DGSN continued implementing its plan to bring officers closer to their social and familial environments, approving 7,780 transfer requests, including 2,892 urgent cases based on social, health, or family reunification reasons. Moreover, 5,194 officers were granted hearings under the “Request for Hearings” framework, which is guaranteed to all personnel. Additionally, 2,502 officers benefited from the right to legal defense and support under the principle of “State Protection,” which is guaranteed by law for security personnel who face physical or verbal assaults while performing their duties. In adherence to the principle of professional equity, the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) has focused this year on strengthening the mechanisms for handling administrative grievances under the purview of the Central Grievance Commission. This commission, established in December 2018, is tasked with reviewing grievances and requests for professional leniency, formulating recommendations and observations aimed at reconciling the interests of the employee and public service. This year, the commission received a total of 328 administrative grievances and issued 363 recommendations, resulting in the revision or cancellation of 32% of disciplinary measures and the approval of 60% of the sanctions and measures implemented. The year 2024 marked a radical transformation in the operation and role of the grievance mechanism under the Central Grievance Commission. It evolved from a body focused solely on arbitration between police officers and professional disciplinary mechanisms to a proactive force for governance in managing police officers’ professional lives. Based on the findings of grievance case studies, the commission now contributes to implementing alternative solutions and best practices aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of the DGSN’s human resource management system while ensuring a balance between the effective functioning of police services and the protection of police personnel. In terms of moralization, the corrective mechanism for sanctioning professional misconduct by police officers—whether committed during their duties or in violation of their obligations to discretion, integrity, and probity—handled 7,374 administrative cases in 2024. This led to 1,263 disciplinary sanctions, a 50% reduction compared to 2023, reflecting positive progress in promoting professionalism and adherence to workplace regulations and ethics among police ranks. Furthermore, inspection commissions under the National Security authority conducted 492 administrative investigations in 2024, including 112 initiated based on complaints, which were handled with the required rigor. These investigations, involving 1,746 personnel, included thorough reviews of alleged dysfunctions attributed to National Security services and personnel, as well as surveillance and audits of various aspects of police operations. As a result, 22 investigations uncovered evidence of actions contrary to criminal law. These cases were referred to judicial police services to notify the competent public prosecutors and request the opening of judicial investigations. 3- Social and health coverage for police officers : Regarding social support for active and retired police officers and their beneficiaries, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Social Works of National Security Personnel provided direct assistance in the form of financial and in-kind subsidies. These benefits were extended to 1,610 members who suffered serious injuries in the line of duty or were afflicted with severe illnesses, with their cases processed under an expedited procedure. Direct financial aid and vouchers were also distributed during religious holidays to 4,351 widows and 601 retired police officers from the National Security family who receive limited monthly pensions. Exceptional aid has also been granted to 371 police officers or their relatives suffering from serious illnesses. This measure aims to help them cope with the high cost of medical treatment, receiving a grant of 20,000 dirhams. The year 2024 also saw an expansion in beneficiaries of the pilgrimage program. Pilgrimage expenses were covered for 365 members of the National Security and Territorial Surveillance corps, including full coverage for 230 individuals and partial coverage for 135 others, compared to 127 beneficiaries in the previous year. Additionally, a total of 3,582 children and orphans of police officers participated in summer vacation camps held in Agadir, Bouznika, Ifrane, and Tetouan. For the first time, the Mohammed VI Foundation organized summer camps for 57 families of fallen police officers in duty at summer centers in Bouznika and Chefchaouen. Moreover, the construction of a summer center in Martil for the National Security family has been initiated. As part of its support for academic excellence among the children of members of the Foundation, this year saw the organization of the second edition of the Excellence Ceremony, highlighted by the granting of stable and sustainable scholarships to children and orphans of police officers who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance. A scholarship of 10,000 dirhams, spanning five years of higher education, was awarded to 12 students, with the aim of periodically expanding the program to reach 60 beneficiaries per year in the near future. Additionally, awards were given to 109 students who achieved high grades in their baccalaureate exams. In addition to the annual academic excellence scholarships, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Social Works of National Security Employees launched a new partnership program in 2024 with several higher education institutions. This initiative strives to facilitate access for the children and orphans of police officers who excel academically to these institutions. The agreements include scholarships and tuition fee reductions of up to 50% at certain private institutes. This year’s Excellence Ceremony also paid tribute to police officers who stood out in artistic and sporting competitions organized by the Foundation. Financial awards were given to the winners of the plastic creativity contest, which saw the participation of 47 officers, exhibiting 87 artworks selected by a committee from the Ministry of Culture. The Foundation is currently preparing a creative register for police officers who stood out in various fields, with the aim of encouraging them to partake in sporting, artistic and cultural events and competitions in the future. In support of social initiatives, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Social Works of National Security Personnel has signed partnership agreements with insurance companies, clinics and national businesses, to enable police officers and their dependents to access health and commercial services at preferential rates, including a partnership agreement covering access at reduced cost to services offered by three major telecommunications operators. These partnerships are in addition to others inked in recent years, helping the national security family to benefit from commercial, health and insurance services at preferential rates. In pursuit of the values of institutional communication with its members, the Foundation has launched an website for its services “www.fmsn.gov.ma”, designed in Arabic and French, offering a complete and up-to-date overview of the Foundation’s activities and the full range of services available to the national security family. With regard to other basic health services, the National Security Health Services Inspectorate has been working over the past year on a step-by-step action plan titled “Santé 2026” (Health 2026), which includes a new vision for managing security health services, based on support for proactive and preventive initiatives, the activation of health control operations, and the diversification of basic and specialized medical services for police officers. During this year, 172,478 medical consultations and interventions were carried out for police officers, including 64,618 with general practitioners, 44,646 with occupational practitioner, 7,297 with specialists, 18,159 dental treatments and 5,435 psychological support appointments. Similarly, the DGSN helped replenish the national blood supply by launching several voluntary donation campaigns, in which some 8,502 police officers took part. In addition, the DGSN’s health services carried out 1,422 medical check-ups in safe rooms and locations holding minors under judicial investigation. Security Communication: Reinforcing Proximity Police, Openness of Police Institution In 2024, the National Directorate of National Security continued implementing its action plan to strengthen the proximity police and promote the openness of the police institution, as well as consolidating the communication mechanisms with its social environment and the media, in the firm belief that communication and openness are essential to enshrining citizen policing values, and constitute the best means of adapting security action strategies to the expectations and aspirations of citizens. In its annual report for 2024, the DGSN said that this year was marked by the diversification of its security communication channels and the adoption of more advanced and participatory approaches with social bodies and institutional stakeholders, in an effort to implement the new work philosophy based on the co-production of security and which prioritizes service to citizens as the primary objective of the police public service. As for communication mechanisms, the DGSN organized the 5th edition of the DGSN Open Days, on May 17-21, 2024 in Agadir, which had seen an increase in the space available to receive citizens, in the number of thematic stands organized and in presentations, which led to 2,120,000 people visiting the event, in addition to 25 million views on the event’s activities on the application and the official accounts of the National Security on social networks. The event attracted a diverse audience, including students from 845 educational institutions, original teaching schools and Koranic schools, in addition to 1,242 civil society organizations, along with journalists and correspondents from 170 national and foreign media outlets and TV channels, who produced 1,097 reports. As for missions of information and communication with the media and the public, the DGSN’s communication services conducted a total of 5,820 media activities, publishing 1,674 press releases and articles on security-related issues, contributing to the production of 3,572 news reports and sharing 534 digital content pieces on its official social media accounts, in addition to publishing 40 updates. The national security services reported a significant drop in the number of false reports that impact citizens’ sense of security, as reflected in the number of updates published this year, numbering 40 compared to 340 in 2017 and 288 in 2018. This significant decline is attributed to the positive engagement from citizens in the rapid reporting of false content via the DGSN E-Blagh reporting platform and its social media accounts, which have improved levels of trust in the security services,coupled with the security services’ prompt reaction to citizens’ reports and the adoption of a proactive communication approach to put an end to rumors and false news that damage the sense of security. As for violent content published on social networks, which has negative repercussions on the feeling of security, this year the DGSN’s monitoring services viewed 208 items of content involving criminal acts or scenes of violence, compared with 260 items the previous year. These were subject to the necessary technical expertise and security interventions, with those involved being subjected to judicial investigations, accompanied by press releases designed to enlighten public opinion and reinforce its feeling of security. In order to strengthen digital communication and posts in social networks, the National Security services published during the year 534 posts in their official accounts on the various social media sites over the course of this year, which have 1,197,335 subscribers, broken down as follows: 500,550 subscribers on X (previously Twitter), 472,285 on Facebook and 224,500 on Instagram. In the same vein, the DGSN communication services have continued to publish Police magazines on the electronic and paper platforms, to give the public access to security information. They have also archived and published another batch of back issues to document the history of the police, with a view to digitizing all back issues from 1961 onwards. The current year also saw the publication of four new issues of Police magazine, covering topical issues such as the involvement of security services in the management of the Al Haouz earthquake, emergency policing and the role of dog-handling police, as well as the DGSN Open Days. The National Security services have also resumed implementation of their plan to raise awareness in schools and protect pupils from the dangers of delinquency and misuse of information systems. This year was marked by the promotion of educational content aimed at this category of society, while the number of students who benefited from awareness-raising operations during the first semester of the current academic year reached 246,116, spread over 2,956 educational establishments. The security services also held regional and local consultation and coordination meetings, with 991 associations and organizations, which addressed issues relating to the population’s expectations of the security institution. The security communication services have also continued to accept requests from young children wishing to wear police uniforms. In 2024, fourteen children appeared in videos published on social networks or submitted written requests through their parents. These children were given full police uniforms with all accessories and e-learning equipment, and were also allowed to visit the various national security departments. In the same vein, a reception was held at the Tangier police headquarters for 291 girls and boys from areas affected by the earthquake that struck the province of Al Haouz on September 08, 2023, who are benefiting from summer camps in the city of Tangier, to enable them to visit the various administrative, technical and logistical departments and facilities of the Tangier police headquarters. Future projects: Capitalizing on security achievements In 2025, the DGSN will continue to build on its achievements in modernizing police infrastructure and services, in order to meet citizens’ expectations of public police services. The DGSN also intends to strengthen and promote international security cooperation, through sharing its experience in the fight against terrorism and organized crime with friendly and partner countries, as well as with various international organizations dedicated to police work. At the top of DGSN’s list of structuring projects planned over the next year, which are currently in their final stages of completion, is the DGSN’s central headquarters in Rabat to be inaugurated, a facility that will bring together all Directorates and services within an integrated platform taking into account the rationalization of human and financial resources intended for managing various DGSN services at central level. Among the projects scheduled for inauguration next year is the International Police Training Center in Ifrane, which will serve as an advanced training institute for Moroccan security officers and their colleagues from the African continent. Set up as a regional and international training hub, this future center will host training cycles and workshops organized by international partners, in favor of African and Moroccan police and security officers. With a view to modernizing the qualification process for police human resources, the Royal Police Institute plans to establish a national database for basic, specialized and in-service police training programs over the next year. This will be an interactive digital library (E-training), accessible and usable from all police training schools and National Security headquarters, with a view to connecting this IT platform to others dedicated to international training programs in favor of police personnel. As part of the ongoing process of upgrading its forensic services, the DGSN is scheduled to set up six regional forensic laboratories in the police prefectures of Marrakech, Oujda, Fez, Agadir and Rabat, as well as six regional digital trace analysis laboratories in the police prefectures of Oujda, Agadir, Tangier, Meknes, Kénitra and Beni Mellal. These laboratories will be equipped with all the technological means and human resources needed to analyze digital evidence and use it in judicial investigations. Concerning security preparations for hosting major sporting events, such as the 2025 African Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, the DGSN envisions launching a series of projects and programs for professional qualification and upgrading of structure, including full adherence to the “Stadia” project, supervised by the International Criminal Police Organization “Interpol”, which aims to share experiences and promote achievements in the field of police services’ capacity building in relation to hosting major sporting events. One of the structuring projects, also part of the preparations for organizing major sporting events, involves the ongoing upgrading of sports security services by providing logistical and operational resources, as well as qualified human resources. This also includes the creation of new brigades and services, in particular dog police brigades in the cities of Agadir, Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakech and Tangier, which will be hosting the 2030 World Cup games. A new police training school will also be opened in Marrakech on January 11, 2025, to mark the Anniversary of the presentation of the Independence Manifesto, in line with the strategy adopted by the DGSN to promote police training centers, increase their intake capacity and develop training techniques and programs, in addition to proximity to trainees. With regard to the digitization of National Security services and their connectivity to integrated security databases, the year 2025 will witness the transition to advanced digitization of command and coordination rooms and their connectivity to patrols and intervention units active on public roads. This will be particularly the case in the context of smart patrols (connected vehicles), as well as the use of artificial intelligence programs in the field of road traffic, with a view to DGSN’s implementation, over the next few years, of the smart and safe cities system. Still on the subject of supporting local structures, the DGSN envisions building new police headquarters in line with citizens’ expectations, including constructing the Agadir police prefecture’s headquarters and the central command and coordination post in the same city, as well as a new headquarters for the Khenifra provincial security district, and one for the Jorf El Melha regional police station. Police facilities will also be reinforced with transport and logistical resources featuring a new visual identity, and equipped with the latest communication and intervention technologies. In addition, the National Security’s social services are further finalizing studies relating to the implementation of projects to build two summer camps in Harhoura and Moulay Bousselham for the benefit of the DGSN family, in anticipation of their construction. Examination of the contractualization project for a new on-duty accident insurance program for police officers will be launched, to guarantee full coverage of hospitalization costs, should they suffer an occupational accident in the course of their duties to protect citizens. In terms of security communication, the Directorate plans to hold the 6th edition of the DGSN Open Days in El Jadida next year, in line with the celebration of the 69th anniversary of the creation of the DGSN, as part of its approach to communicating with all citizens in different regions of the Kingdom. Through presenting its annual report, the DGSN reiterates its commitment to continuing efforts to reinforce public safety and improve the quality of services offered to citizens, foreign nationals and tourists. In addition, it reflects its commitment to promoting the professional and social environments of all members of the national security family.