Inauguration of police training school in Marrakech

The General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) inaugurated a new police training school in Marrakech on Saturday, coinciding with the anniversary of Morocco’s Independence Demand Document. The facility, named “School for Security Guards Training in Marrakech,” aims to enhance police training capabilities and expand the capacity of security training infrastructure.

The school will offer foundational training for new recruits in the security guard corps and contribute to strengthening ongoing training programs. The project is part of the DGSN’s structural initiatives announced in its annual program to modernize and enhance security facilities, including specialized regional training hubs.

Modernizing Police Training

Since 2016, the DGSN has pursued an ambitious reform project to modernize police training as a cornerstone of comprehensive security sector reform. The initiative has included revising recruitment standards, updating training curricula, and establishing geographically distributed schools to bring training services closer to recruits.

Currently, the DGSN oversees several training institutions, including the Royal Police Institute in Kenitra and security guard training schools in cities such as Laayoune, Oujda, Fez, Tangier, Marrakech, Bouknadel, and the Fouarat region near Kenitra. An advanced training center in Ifrane is also set to open soon, designed to serve as a hub for international and African security cooperation.

Director General’s Visit

Abdellatif Hammouchi, Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance, conducted an inspection visit to the new Marrakech school to review final preparations for welcoming the first batch of recruits.

During the visit, Hammouchi toured the facilities, received briefings from the Human Resources Director on the training curriculum, and discussed the strategic objectives of the institution. He emphasized the importance of aligning training programs with a new security philosophy focused on citizen service and improved public safety.

Hammouchi also highlighted the need to provide exceptional care for new recruits, termed “tomorrow’s police officers,” by equipping them with human rights awareness, ethical training, and robust knowledge to perform their duties of safeguarding security, protecting property, and upholding freedoms.

Accompanying Hammouchi on the visit were senior officials, including the Inspector General, the Human Resources Director, and regional security leaders.

Training Facility Features

The Marrakech training school, constructed on a 7,826-square-meter site, can accommodate 500 recruits during their basic training period. Its design includes comprehensive living, training, and administrative facilities to ensure optimal conditions for recruits.

Key features of the facility include:

• Residential Area: 16 accommodation units, a fully equipped kitchen, two dining halls, and multiple sanitary facilities.
• Educational Wing: A multipurpose hall with a 100-person capacity, 10 classrooms, an IT and teleconferencing room, and a library.
• Healthcare Services: An on-site clinic offering primary and secondary medical consultations.
• Administrative Wing: 19 offices, a meeting room, a prayer hall, and a ceremonial courtyard for national flag-raising events.
• Training Grounds: Outdoor spaces for semi-military and physical training exercises.

A Vision for the Future

The DGSN envisions the Marrakech training school as a cornerstone of its efforts to specialize and regionalize security training while providing recruits with the resources needed to excel in their duties. The new facility underscores the DGSN’s commitment to building a modern and effective police force dedicated to protecting the nation and its citizens.