I have always had a dream of stepping into the shoes of a police officer. Perhaps it stems from my childhood days when while other kids lost themselves in fairy tales, I passionately awaited my father’s return with detective magazines, each page unfolding a new world where I found PEACE in reading.
But peace suddenly turned to be a grand notion, especially when you look beyond borders with wars in Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine, and military regimes ravaging lands in Africa. Even in developed countries, armed conflicts and gangs cast a shadow. It makes one appreciate the peace in one’s own life. But what is really behind it?
Looking back years ago, Morocco was grappling with its security woes. The aftermath of decolonization rendered the Kingdom unstable, but there was an effort to build indigenous institutions, with a focus on professionalism. It didn’t matter how long it took; what mattered was the result we live in now. Many played a part in building the peace we enjoy as Moroccans, but one name stands out: Abdellatif Hammouchi, the Head of Morocco’s National Police (DGSN) and Territory Surveillance services (DGST).
Born in 1966 in Taza, located in north-central Morocco in the southern part of the Rif region, the perseverance and intelligence of “the little Abdellatif” pushed him to achieve academic success, despite the obstacles at that time.
Hammouchi’s journey to achieve the highest rankings in the police began in 1993 when he joined the law enforcement body as a Police Commissioner affiliated with DGST.
Following the Casablanca bombings of May 2003–which killed over 45 individuals–the Kingdom of Morocco launched a multifaceted campaign against terrorism.
At the same time, there was a reshuffling of leadership within Moroccan security directorates. Hamidou Laanigri, who had been heading the DGST, was appointed as the head of DGSN in 2003. Ahmed Harrari served as his successor for two years.
An expert in the study of Islamist extremist groups, at only 39, Hammouchi was appointed the Director of the DGST in 2005, becoming the youngest-ever head of an intelligence service in the history of the Kingdom. He then proceeded to overhaul the entire department, with a focus on bolstering security measures in the wake of these terrorist threats.
A pivotal moment in El Hammouchi’s career came in 2011 when he played a crucial role in swiftly resolving the Marrakech café bombing, showcasing the effectiveness of the DGST under his leadership. This success earned him commendations and reinforced his reputation as a capable and strategic leader. The King bestowed upon him the Alawite Wissam medal for his outstanding efforts that same year. France’s Elysée also offered the Moroccan official the recognition “Officer of the Legion of Honor.”
His diplomatic efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he was received and honored on several occasions by Morocco’s Monarch and by other countries’ heads of state. In 2015, France again awarded him the Order of Merit Medal, the second recognition from the country’s officials after his contributions to halting a terrorist project by pinpointing the precise location of the suspects.
2015 was the same year in which he would be pronounced the head of not only DGST but this time DGSN, thereby ascending to the leadership of Morocco’s two main security institutions, the first person ever to secure the two positions at once.
In 2014, Hammouchi, considered a “star” in Spain, was awarded the “Honorary Cross of Police with Red Distinction,” one of the highest decorations awarded to foreign dignitaries. Four years later, the Spanish government approved a second distinction for the Moroccan security chief, awarding him the “Grand Cross of the Civil Guard Order of Merit,” the institution’s highest medal.
He has significantly enhanced security cooperation domestically and internationally, forming alliances with Western intelligence services, and contributing to the global fight against crime and terrorism, in particular.
In April of 2016, Hammouchi met with Nikolai Platonovich Patrushev, the First Secretary of the Federal National Security Service, and Igor Zubov, Russia’s Deputy Interior Minister. The meetings focused on security and counter-terrorism, and pertained to the security situation in Morocco and the rest of North Africa, as well as the Sahel and Syria. The discussions also aimed to strengthen Morocco-Russia cooperation in combating terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, and illegal migration.
In 2018, Morocco’s security chief met with Qatar’s Emir, Cheikh Tamim Ben Hamad Al Thani, to discuss the synchronization of the two Arab countries’ counter-terrorism task forces, and learn from Morocco’s expertise in terrorism fighting. In 2024, he conducted a visit to the same country to further fortify security cooperation.
As for the United States, one of Morocco’s closest allies, Hammouchi received Mike Pompeo, Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and former State Secretary, in 2021, to discuss the importance of counterterrorism and law enforcement cooperation to advance peace and security. He held additional discussions and meetings with other U.S. officials for the same purposes. The same year, the DGST and DGSN efforts were praised by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the CIA for their cooperation in combating terrorism and violent extremism. The FBI New York Field Office Chief expressed gratitude for the DGST’s timely and accurate information, which helped neutralize a terrorist threat.
Another kingdom with which Morocco shares strong security partnerships is Saudi Arabia. In 2023, Hammouchi engaged in talks with several officials from KSA to address common security concerns. The two kingdoms have signed an agreement to combat terrorism and destroy its funding channels in order to foster intelligence cooperation, security coordination, the fight against extremism, and to eradicate terrorist recruitment hotspots. This month, he convened with Sami Bin Abdullah Al-Saleh, KSA’s Ambassador to Morocco, and addressed safety issues and international threats, as well as the two nations’ decision to expand security cooperation and share policing techniques, thereby underlining their close relationship.
Under the guidance of Abdellatif Hammouchi, Morocco’s security institutions have established positive relationships with several foreign countries, including Portugal, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Austria, and others. These relationships have been fostered through visits and the signing of agreements.
It would seem that under his tenure, Morocco has seen a positive shift in security presence and a sense of security among its people. The latest report for 2023 indicates that crime rates have declined. The national crime rate decreased by 10% last year, with 738,748 cases registered and 723,874 individuals arrested.
Violent crime indicators, including homicides, manslaughter, and conjugal violence, also decreased by 25%. Sexual abuse decreased by 4%, automobile thefts decreased by 19%, overall robberies decreased by 9%, and armed robberies decreased by 6%.
In 2023, the DGSN achieved a 95% success rate in solving crimes. In addition, 99,513 drug cases were registered and 130,212 individuals were detained. The Directorate also seized 81,175 tons of cannabis resin, 1,922.6 tons of cocaine, 6,880 kg of heroin, and 1,223,774 psychotropic tablets.
The DGSN also arrested 575 dealers and seized 5.175 kg of “poor man’s coke,” locally known as “bouffa” or “pouffa.”
Concerning illegal immigration, the National Police foiled 23,863 attempts and stymied 18,820 would-be migrants, therefore dismantling 121 criminal networks and arresting 594 immigration mediators.
With respect to financial crimes, 529 cases of bribery, abuse of influence, embezzlement, waste of public funds, and extortion were documented. The DGSN handled 38 cases of currency counterfeiting and related smuggling operations.
Finally, the Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ)–part of DGST–successfully apprehended dozens of suspects allegedly involved in terrorist and extremist activities.
Throughout his administration, the country made tremendous progress in police training, human rights initiatives, and civic engagement. The expansion of police schools and partnerships with educational institutions also demonstrate the security services’ commitment to professionalism and societal outreach.
The head of security in Morocco incorporated a variety of initiatives to improve the country’s law enforcement capabilities and skills to enhance the police force’s national and global engagement, according to the Police 2024 blueprint.
Morocco’s inauguration of an International Police Training Center in Ifrane will serve Moroccan security professionals and those across Africa, serving as a regional and international hub for coordinated efforts against terrorism and organized crime.
The DGSN is also exploring the possibility of opening language education centers within police training institutions to improve the communication skills of its personnel. The center also features training programs in sports security and event safety management to prepare policemen and policewomen for Morocco’s hosting of significant global sporting events in 2025 and 2030.
The opening of security training schools in Casablanca and Marrakech is expected to complement the current program operated by the Royal Police Institute in Kenitra and training schools in Tangier, Oujda, Fes, Bouknadel, Fouarat, and Laayoune.
The DGSN is considering the establishment of additional security facilities in several regions of the Kingdom. It also plans to build a third security zone headquarters in Rabat.
Hammouchi also ordered the building of cutting-edge police precincts and regional laboratories specializing in digital forensics. Other facilities of health and care dedicated to police staff and their families are also planned for this year.
Lastly, the Directorate, commanded by Abdellatif, is devoted to social activities, with plans underway to create recreational facilities in Martil and Moulay Bousselham in an attempt to enhance the quality of life of police agents and their families.
To ensure the health and well-being of security personnel and their families, an entire medical laboratory with competent medical staff is available for police agents and their families in Hay Riad (Rabat), with intent to expand this project to other cities.
Social initiatives and programs are an important component of the Directorate’s plans, and there are plans to expand recreational facilities in Martil and Moulay Bousselham, in addition to the summer camps currently offered for children of police employees.
This Thursday, the DGSN will mark its 68th anniversary. This provides an excellent opportunity to recognize the outstanding work of this organization, which has played an essential role in keeping our country safe and secure for decades.
Since its establishment on May 16, 1965, the DGSN has earned the respect and regard of Moroccans because of the dedication of its personnel, both men and women. The Directorate’s reputation has been garnered thanks largely to its director, and extends well beyond Morocco’s borders, as it is globally regarded as efficient and competent in dealing with an array of security challenges across the world.