Groupes urbains de sécurité

Groupes urbains de sécurité (GUS) (also known as "Croatia" [in reference to the use of caps in red and white squares similar to those on the flag of Croatia] ) ( _en. Urban Security Groups) is a defunct Moroccan special police unit which dealt with urban matters basing on "rapid intervention approach".

Background

GUS was established by the Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (DGSN) (the main National police body) in October 17, 2005. The initiative lies within the scope of a general reform whose principle was "the Police force, near to you for your safety". As of October 2006, GUS comprised between 4,000 and 5,000 agents. [ [http://www.lematin.ma/journal/Article.asp?id=natio&ida=66274 "Les GUS partent, la police nationale reste"] fr icon]

The GUS are considered first-aid workers and all members speak English. They were attached to arrondissements. Because of its nature as an auxiliary police, GUS, for example did not have the right to confiscate driver licences or to file official reports. [ [http://www.casafree.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=5638&forum=3 "Croatia ou les Groupes Urbains de Securité (GUS)"] fr icon]

GUS were equipped with Peugeot Partner vans and Honda motorcycles.

The body was disbanded exactly one year later; in October 16, 2006. Before its disbanding, GUS comprised 6 groups. The action came as a result of the reforms which started to be executed within the national police and army bodies.

The members of the GUS are to be redeployed to other police departments such as criminal investigation departments and judiciary police.

Criticism and disbanding

While many Moroccans regarded the presence of GUS as a relief, many others considered it as a step back to the rule of the Makhzen [The Moroccan authoritative system during the rule of former King Hassan II] .

The disbanding came after many criticisms about excesses or abuses of power were noted. Some irresponsible actions of certain members of this police turned over the public opinion which became discreditory.

GUS were also accused of corruption especially. In many cases, civil offenders used to pay a bribe (between 10 and 20 dirhams. This led to the appearance of the popular nickname; "10 drahem". [ [http://www.afrik.com/article8319.html "La police marocaine veut redorer son blason"] fr icon]

ee also

* Riot control

External links

* [http://www.fidh.org/article.php3?id_article=2815 "Détention arbitraire / Poursuites judiciaires / Mauvais traitements"] — FIDH.org fr icon
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6059938.stm "Morocco disbands riot police unit"] — Richard Hamilton for BBC Online

Notes and sources