Following the annual institutional communication policy set forth by the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) to bolster community policing, enhance the security institution’s engagement with its surroundings, and fortify the foundations of security governance and production, the National Security services present their annual report for the year 2023.
This report underscores the modernization of security services and structures, endeavors to reinforce the sense of security and combat crime, and outlines mechanisms for the judicious management of police officers’ professional trajectories, ensuring an integrated work environment that enables them to fulfill their duties optimally. Additionally, it outlines projects related to security and public order for the upcoming year.
Aligned with this communication strategy, DGSN presents the 2023 report, focusing on the following key points:
First: Introduction of New Police Structures for Diversified Security Services
To fortify community policing structures and adapt services to the evolving landscape of new urban centers, the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN) inaugurated 13 new security structures in 2023.
These include the establishment of the 5th district of the Rabat police prefecture, the Ryad police district, the 24th police district at the Marrakech police prefecture, along with the formation of a mobile emergency police unit at the Kenitra police prefecture, two police dog brigades in Kenitra and Larache, and a mobile policing unit in Settat.
The creation of these 13 new security structures is geared towards reinforcing the entities dedicated to community policing and ensuring the adaptability of services to urban expansion.
This extends to the Rabat police prefecture, which witnessed the establishment of the 5th police district and the Ryad police district, alongside the creation of 24 police districts within the Marrakech police prefecture. This elevates the total number of police districts across the kingdom to 454, encompassing all urban areas under the jurisdiction of national security services.
DGSN further advanced the deployment of emergency police units, operating under the oversight of command and coordination centers. Notably, a significant stride was taken with the inauguration of the permanent mobile emergency police unit at the Kenitra police prefecture this year. Comprising mobile teams of bikers and emergency vehicles, this unit adeptly responds to citizens’ calls for assistance, ensuring swift interventions. The vehicles undergo regular scrutiny and monitoring by relevant services at both central and regional levels.
Throughout the year, command and coordination centers managed a total of 19,722,041 emergency calls via the 19 telephone line, resulting in 867,042 interventions on public roads. Police emergency mobile units conducted 448,256 interventions on public roads.
Beyond emergency calls, citizens sought information, and some calls conveyed negative incidents. In the same vein, uniformed brigades executed 494 patrols on public roads, totaling 529,164 ground interventions, ranging from apprehending individuals involved in criminal cases to reporting traffic offenses and enforcing the law.
DGSN also inaugurated citizen reception areas in collaboration with the Ministry in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, as well as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Initially established at the identity data registration center of the Temara provincial police district, the foreigners’ section of the Prefectural Department of General Intelligence at the Casablanca police prefecture, and the 5th police arrondissement of the Mehdia-Kenitra district, these areas await future expansion on a national scale.
These reception areas for both Moroccan citizens and foreigners distinguish themselves through facilities that harmonize the aesthetic aspects of interior architecture with an exemplary reception and orientation environment. The presence of male and female police officers, well-qualified to guide users of this public service, further enhances the overall experience.
Equipped with an integrated information system facilitated by computers connected to specialized systems and linked with scanning devices, such as optical scanners and digital readers for fingerprints, cards, and identity data, these centers aim to enhance police services by significantly reducing the time required to receive and process user requests.
In 2023, territorial units were fortified with new teams, notably through the creation of two police dog brigades in the police prefecture of Kenitra and the provincial district of Larache. Additionally, a mobile law enforcement unit was established in Settat, along with three services specializing in road accidents in the police districts of Benguerir and Tangier-Beni Makada, and another at the regional police station of Ait Melloul. A new identity data registration center was inaugurated in the Driouch district.
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve security governance and modernize public police services, construction work on the new headquarters of the General Directorate of National Security is progressing on a 20-hectare site in the Ryad district in Rabat. This integrated administrative complex consolidates all central security departments in one location, with completion rates reaching 90% in accordance with established work plans.
The year 2023 also witnessed the initiation of construction projects for seven new security buildings, including the Regional Security District in Fkih Ben Saleh and the headquarters of police districts and road accident and health services at the Tangier police prefecture. Three police districts were created in Casablanca, Khenifra, and Mohammedia, and rehabilitation operations were carried out at various police districts and stations across different regions.
Furthermore, the year saw the launch of the complete deployment process of the new visual identity, aimed at distinguishing the security vehicle fleet from other vehicles and cars. A total of 549 intervention vehicles were equipped with this visual identity. Simultaneously, the modernization of the national security vehicle fleet continued with the acquisition and delivery of 2,132 new vehicles, tailored to meet the professional needs of various police units and brigades nationwide.
Second: IT System – Complementary Digital Platforms Serving Citizens and Police Officers
1- Electronic Identity Documents: On the Path to Digital Transition
In 2023, DGSN reinforced the digital infrastructure of administrative services provided to citizens and foreign nationals in Morocco, covering identity documents, residence permits, and administrative certificates. The opening up to various public and private service providers was also intensified through partnerships and agreements, with the aim of generalizing the use of the “Trusted Third Party” platform for identity verification linked to the “Digital Identity” space developed by DGSN.
The “Trusted Third Party” platform serves as a secure information mechanism enabling citizens to access various services from both public and private sectors while safeguarding their personal data. It permits individuals holding the national electronic identity card to instantaneously and securely verify their identity during administrative and banking operations. This verification can be done either in person using the card equipped with an electronic chip or online through the “Digital Identity” system.
To fortify this system, developed by national security services for the benefit of citizens and banking institutions, DGSN services introduced the “Mon identité numérique” (My digital identity) application during the year. This application is downloadable on major mobile operating systems and empowers citizens to securely create, monitor, and utilize their identity within the digital space, drawing on the data stored in the national electronic identity card (CNIE).
The application’s accessibility was expanded with the launch of the interactive digital portal “www.identitenumerique.ma,” providing citizens with digital identity services without the need to download the application on their mobile phones.
The year also witnessed an enhancement of the participatory process in simplifying public services. DGSN shared its expertise in managing identification data and their digital use through new agreements with entities such as the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Supervisory Authority of Insurance and Social Welfare (ACAPS), the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, and the National Fund of Social Welfare Organizations. These agreements aim to utilize the “Trusted Third Party” platform for verifying digital identity in public and private services provided to citizens. Additionally, DGSN signed a memorandum of understanding with the Court of Auditors to facilitate the actions of financial courts and established several memorandums of understanding with numerous private companies and service providers nationally, seeking to leverage this new digital service.
In 2023, efforts continued to implement the strategy of centralizing and extending CNIE services to all citizens. This involved the creation of 32 mobile units for the issuance and renewal of the electronic national identity card. These units, equipped with two platforms, traveled to geographically remote regions and mountainous rural areas to record citizen identification data. The overall number of beneficiaries of this mobile service reached 128,451 people.
In the current year, there has been a consistent and swift response to citizens’ requests for electronic and administrative identification documents, as well as residence permits for foreigners. A total of 4,269,781 new-generation electronic national identity cards were issued, with 3,077,398 generated at the Rabat issuance center and 1,192,383 produced at the supplementary issuance center in Marrakech, aligning with the proximity policy to better serve citizens.
Additionally, 348,070 electronic national identity cards were issued for members of the Moroccan community residing abroad, including 45,739 allocated to minor children. This comprehensive effort also encompasses the issuance of 1,552,306 anthropometric sheets, 43,807 residence permits for foreigners, 20,031 entry visas to the national territory, and 2,246 exceptional new-generation residence permits.
2. Digital Space: Advancing Next-Generation Services
In the year 2023, the technical services of the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) have significantly advanced the digitization of public safety services, leading to a notable improvement in security performance. This strategic initiative includes the nationwide deployment of a unified police telecommunications network—an exceptionally secure infrastructure with optical fibers connecting 57 cities across the country. This network ensures secure telecommunications and rapid data transfer, specifically designed to meet the operational requirements of security service management.
The development of this network has reached an advanced stage, covering 19 centers nationwide. Additionally, the technical services of the DGSN have dedicated efforts to creating various applications and information technology solutions, empowering police officers to execute their missions with increased efficiency. This includes the finalization of the deployment of the Police District Management Information System (GESTARR) and the integration of additional services, particularly linking it to the new information system managing criminal cases for police districts. Currently, this system is undergoing experimental use in 350 police stations within the police prefectures of Kenitra, Tangier, Meknes, Marrakech, Settat, and the provincial security of Safi.
To enhance the effectiveness of security interventions on public roads and strengthen control mechanisms for police patrols, a geographic location system utilizing the Global Positioning System (GPS) is being adopted. This involves installing GPS devices on 800 police vehicles and motorcycles, automatically synchronized with the Security Intervention Information System. The initiative aims to improve the speed of response to citizens’ calls as part of the ongoing and gradual implementation of this mechanism in the near future.
As part of a strategic plan to incorporate artificial intelligence techniques in policing, the DGSN has introduced a new technological system focused on leveraging urban surveillance camera networks and mobile cameras of national security to automatically read vehicle license plates on urban roads. Currently, this process is undergoing experimental implementation in the police prefectures of Casablanca and Agadir.
In the current year, law enforcement intercepted 228 reported stolen cars and vehicles, along with 585 vehicles linked to owners under national search notices due to suspected involvement in criminal activities.
The technical services of the DGSN are actively involved in the development of innovative software utilizing artificial intelligence to identify individuals and confirm the identity of those subject to search notices. This experimental technique has proven highly effective in monitoring and neutralizing individuals posing significant threats to the safety of citizens and their property.
In a commitment to leverage modern communication technologies for the benefit of citizens, the DGSN has initiated the use of the social network Facebook to publish and disseminate search notices for missing children sought by their families. Facilitated through Tifli Moukhtafi, newly developed software connected to police districts nationwide, this system has streamlined the publication of 222 circulars nationwide, expediting the search for missing children.
Third: Crime Prevention and Enhancing the Sense of Security
In the year 2023, significant efforts were dedicated to strengthening training in the field of human rights for personnel within the criminal justice system. This initiative extended to active personnel engaged in judicial policing, including individuals operating at the level of custody facilities. Collaborative efforts with the Public Ministry and the Royal Gendarmerie Command were integral to these initiatives. The resultant security measures and institutional collaborations notably influenced the outcomes of operations against criminal activities, contributing to an enhanced sense of security.
1. Crime Prevention: Decline in Crime Indicators and Increase in Repression Rates
Throughout the current year, the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) diligently executed the provisions outlined in the crime-fighting strategy for the 2022-2026 period. This comprehensive strategy involved strengthening anti-delinquency structures, advancing forensic science and technical police laboratories, intensifying the use of contemporary methodologies in criminal investigations, and integrating a human rights perspective into police functions. This emphasis extended to custody procedures, surveillance within detention centers, and fostering coordination with the General Directorate of National Territory Surveillance in addressing intricate issues.
This integrated approach yielded significant results, exemplified by a noteworthy 10% reduction in the overall crime landscape, encompassing the number of cases and recorded incidents, totaling 738,748 cases for the year. Consequently, 723,874 individuals were apprehended and referred to various public prosecutors.
Indicators of violent crime also experienced declines, with murders and homicides decreasing by 25%, sexual assaults by 4%, car thefts by approximately 19%, qualified thefts by 9%, and violent thefts by 6%.
In 2023, the persistent decrease in crime indicators was accompanied by a historically high repression rate, reaching 95% for the total recorded cases and approximately 92% for violent crimes—a trend sustained for the seventh consecutive year. These achievements were attributed to advancements in criminal investigation tools, the pivotal role of forensic science and technology, and the prompt reporting of crimes by victims and witnesses. Stricter measures against false accusations and misinformation on social networks notably contributed to mitigating “shadow crimes” or unreported offenses.
In the realm of drug-related cases, enhanced collaboration between the National Security and National Territory Surveillance services resulted in 99,513 cases being registered and processed at border posts, leading to the arrest of 130,212 individuals, including 305 foreigners. Notably, hashish seizures totaled 81,175 metric tons, reflecting a 17% decrease. The year saw the implementation of an action plan targeting the production and trafficking of the synthetic drug known as “L’pufa,” resulting in the disruption of the trafficking network, the arrest of 575 individuals, and the seizure of 5,175 kg of the synthetic drug.
Cases related to modern technologies and cyber extortion recorded a 6% increase, reaching nearly 5,969 cases. The issuance of international warrants rose to 842, compared to 752 in the previous year, leading to the arrest and referral to justice of 874 individuals. In sextortion cases, the National Security services recorded 508 incidents during the year, marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year. A total of 182 individuals involved in these criminal acts were arrested, targeting 515 victims, including 109 foreigners.
Efforts to address illegal immigration resulted in the prevention of 28,863 attempts of irregular immigration, including 18,820 involving various foreign nationalities. This involved dismantling 121 criminal networks and the apprehension of 594 organizers and intermediaries. Additionally, 707 forged travel and identity documents were seized, along with 215 boats and 31 vehicles used in organizing immigration operations.
In the domain of financial and economic crimes, DGSN services continued to enhance criminal investigation techniques, particularly at the level of the National Police Judicial Brigade and its regional brigades in Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakech.
In 2023, the crime indicators showed a continual decrease, with the repression rate remaining historically high for the seventh consecutive year, standing at 95% for total recorded cases and approximately 92% for violent crimes. This was attributed to advancements in criminal investigation tools, forensic science and technology, and prompt reporting by victims and witnesses. Stricter measures against false accusations and misinformation on social networks also played a significant role.
Efforts in drug-related cases involved collaborative intelligence and border control, resulting in 99,513 cases processed, 130,212 individuals arrested, and notable seizures of narcotics. A focused action plan successfully disrupted the trafficking network of the synthetic drug “L’pufa,” leading to the arrest of 575 individuals and the seizure of 5,175 kg of the drug.
Cases related to modern technologies and cyber extortion recorded a 6% increase, with international warrants rising to 842. In sextortion cases, the National Security services recorded 508 incidents, marking an 18% increase. Efforts to address illegal immigration prevented 28,863 attempts, dismantled criminal networks, and seized forged documents, boats, and vehicles.
In financial and economic crimes, the DGSN services handled 529 cases related to corruption, embezzlement, and extortion, representing a nearly 14% increase. Counterfeiting, fraudulent use of payment means, and currency trafficking cases included 38 currency trafficking cases, 57,980 check-related offenses, 153 fraud cases, and 151 counterfeiting cases, leading to the dismantling of criminal networks.
The fight against terrorism saw 29 individuals suspected of involvement referred to the prosecutor’s office, and the dismantling of terrorist cells, including one involved in the murder of a police officer.
The Scientific and Technical Police Laboratory maintained ISO 17025 quality certification, conducting various forensic examinations. Digital trace analysis and forensic chemistry examinations saw increases, showcasing a commitment to relying on scientific evidence in criminal investigations.
International security cooperation efforts were intensified, resulting in Morocco hosting the 93rd session of Interpol’s General Assembly in 2025. The General Directorate for National Security participated in high-level meetings within Interpol and the Council of Arab Interior Ministers. Bilateral meetings were held with international partners, contributing to strengthened cooperation.
The International Cooperation Division processed 6,473 files and requests for information, marking a 12% increase. Operational cooperation included monitoring international letters rogatory and arrest warrants, leading to the arrest of individuals subject to international wanted notices issued by Moroccan authorities.
The same Bureau issued 3,280 nationwide wanted notices based on arrest warrants from foreign authorities and issued 245 search notices in cooperation with police services in Arab countries. Additionally, 2,006 warrants to terminate international searches and 342 warrants to terminate Arab search notices were issued.
In terms of criminal extradition, 54 individuals were subject to international arrest warrants issued by Moroccan authorities in 2023, compared to 69 in 2022. Moreover, 48 foreign nationals were apprehended in Morocco after extradition warrants were issued by the judicial authorities of the requesting countries.
4- Road Safety Indicators
In 2023, there were 85,475 physical traffic accidents in urban areas, a 7% increase from 80,091 in 2022. This directly impacted the total number of traffic accident victims, with 993 fatalities in 2023 compared to 834 in 2022, along with 4,413 serious injuries and 111,478 minor injuries.
In terms of traffic enforcement, a total of 374,446 official reports of traffic offenses were issued in 2023, showing a slight increase of around 1% from 372,086 in 2022. Despite this, the number of fines imposed during the year decreased by 8.5%, dropping from 1,728,209 last year to 1,711,208 in 2023.
As part of its institutional partnership with the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA), the National Security strengthened its efforts to prevent and raise awareness of traffic accidents. This involved providing mobile traffic brigades with logistical and roadside control equipment, including the delivery of 120 large- and medium-cylinder motorcycles. Additionally, an updated version of the Roadside Control Guide was finalized and implemented for police officers and civil servants to ensure consistent training and correct application of road safety provisions.
As a part of the initiative to boost the morale of civil servants, the DGSN is set to construct a pilot clinic at the nearing completion new headquarters next year. This clinic will complement the existing Rabat radiology and medical analysis center and the National Security’s regional health centers, aiming to enhance healthcare services for the National Security’s personnel.
The National Security’s social services are in the process of finalizing studies for the construction of two vacation centers in Martil and Moulay Bouselham. These social projects are intended to benefit the National Security family.
In the realm of security communications, the DGSN is planning the fifth edition of the National Security Open Days event in Agadir next year, coinciding with the commemoration of the 68th anniversary of the creation of the National Security. This aligns with their ongoing commitment to engage with citizens across all regions of the Kingdom.
In summary, the DGSN, reflecting on key aspects outlined in its annual report related to citizen security and the safeguarding of their well-being and property, reiterates its dedication to persistently work towards consolidating public safety, fostering a sense of security, enhancing services for citizens, resident foreigners, and tourists, and continually improving the professional and social conditions for all members of the National Security family.
