National Police Reform: A Deep Dive into the New Ordinance and Its Strategic Implications
In a significant move to modernize its security apparatus, the government has adopted a pivotal draft ordinance to restructure the General Directorate of the National Police. This decision, announced following the Council of Ministers meeting, marks a critical step in addressing evolving security challenges and rectifying structural weaknesses identified over nearly two decades of operation.
Historical Context and the Need for Change
The General Directorate of the National Police was originally established in 2004 (Ordinance No. 04-026/P-RM). Its core mission was to formulate and execute national policy on public order and security, while aiding in the enforcement of laws. However, as the official statement notes, the application of this two-decade-old framework has exposed significant operational shortcomings.
These deficiencies are primarily attributed to two major shifts:
1. The 2022 Militarization
In 2022, a fundamental change occurred: the militarization of the National Police. This was not merely a symbolic change but a legal and organizational overhaul that altered the force’s status, chain of command, and potentially its rules of engagement. The new draft ordinance is the first major legislative adjustment designed to integrate this transformed reality into a coherent administrative structure.
2. The Evolution of Threats
The security landscape has dramatically transformed since 2004. The original ordinance could not have fully anticipated the rise of transnational terrorism, sophisticated cybercrime, and organized criminal networks. The new text explicitly aims to equip the police with the legal and strategic tools to combat these modern forms of insecurity.
Core Objectives of the New Draft Ordinance
This reform is not a simple update; it is a strategic recalibration. The adopted draft ordinance seeks to correct past shortcomings with several key provisions:
Comprehensive Security Strategy: It mandates the development and implementation of integrated strategies to fight insecurity “in all its forms.” This language suggests a move beyond reactive policing toward a holistic, intelligence-driven approach.
Enhanced Civil Functions: The ordinance specifically mentions the establishment of secure travel and identity documents. This points to an investment in the police’s civil administrative duties, crucial for national sovereignty, border control, and preventing identity fraud—a key enabler of other crimes.
Expanded Military and Defense Roles
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the reform is the formal expansion of the National Police’s role in national defense, a direct consequence of its militarized status. The police are now tasked with:
- Military Judicial Police and Provost Functions: This means the police will conduct investigations and maintain discipline on behalf of the armed forces, blurring the traditional lines between military and civilian law enforcement in specific contexts.
- Support for Reservists: The police will participate in the mobilization and deployment of military reservists, acting as a logistical and administrative bridge between civil society and the armed forces.
- Territorial Defense: Perhaps most significantly, the National Police are now assigned a role in the operational defense of the national territory. This could range from securing key infrastructure during crises to acting as a secondary defense force in conflict scenarios.
Unanswered Questions and the Path Forward
While the adoption of the draft ordinance is a decisive act, the government’s statement leaves several critical implementation details unspecified. Notably, it does not announce an effective date or detail the specific modalities for enacting these broad new mandates. The true scope, budget implications, and operational timelines will be clarified only with the publication of the full ordinance text and its subsequent implementing acts.
This reform represents a profound shift in the philosophy and capabilities of the National Police. It moves the institution from a primarily civil force to a hybrid security organ with dual civil and military responsibilities, designed to confront a complex, multi-faceted threat environment. The success of this ambitious restructuring will depend on precise implementation, adequate resources, and clear protocols to ensure these expanded powers are exercised with accountability and in service of public safety.