Rabat- DGSN’s open days, themed “National Security, Citizen Police,” have opened the door for better communication between the Moroccan police and public.
Rabat- DGSN’s open days, themed “National Security, Citizen Police,” have opened the door for better communication between the Moroccan police and public.
The General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) event at Bab Jdid square in Marrakech started on September 26 and is continuing until Sunday, September 30.
The event has welcomed both tourists and citizens in the ocher city.
So far, the open days have succeeded in bringing the public and police together for DGSN to become open to its social circle, inform the public of the missions of the various security units and corps, and show their advanced equipment.
From how the police detect fake passports to how they deduce causes of death in crime scenes, DGSN members have explained their work to the public in live action.
DGSN has conducted 56 simulation exercises, involving the cavalry, police dogs, biker brigades, a musical troop, the infantry brigade, and rapid reaction forces, in addition to parades and educational tours around the region for the benefit of school children.
Entertainment programs and 29 stands have also been set up during the open days to teach the public about the police force and scientific support.
At the opening of the event, the DGSN police commissioner in the Marrakech-Safi region said that the event mirrors a progressive change in the directorate’s strategy, moving from its first open days in Casablanca in 2017 to a culture of open doors to more communication on security action.
The event has set its sights on completing 10 conferences to answer the public’s questions on various security-related issues and the national strategy to combat terrorism and cybercrime, including more informative sessions, such as how DGSN conducts DNA analysis.
Many attendees have given positive feedback about the event, both online and in interviews with Moroccan television channels. They expressed excitement and eagerness to learn about DGSN’s next displays.
“I came to this event to discover the missions of the directorate, so that I and all youth can become active citizens in terms of security. The citizen should also collaborate with [DGSN] for the sake of national security,” one bystander commented in an interview with Moroccan channel 2M.
Attendees can get information about the event’s programs from brochures and posters on site or the mobile application “JPO Police.”
DGSN organized its first open days on September 14-16, 2017, in Casablanca’s International Fair under the theme, “National Security: Commitment and Loyalty.”
Around 80,000 visitors, Moroccans and foreigners alike attended the first event.
Hamid Bdri, police chief of Anfa district in Casablanca, said the first event in 2017 said came as a response to “those claiming that there is a gap between citizens and police.”
“What is published in the media or what is said on social media gives the impression that there is a gap … We should lift all the hurdles that prevents citizens getting access to security services because those services are now a constitutional right,” he stated.