Ifrane: A Moroccan-German Security Exercise to Strengthen Complex Crime Scene Management Capabilities

A joint security exercise between the services of the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) and the German police was held on Tuesday at the Higher Institute of Security Sciences in Ifrane, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and the exchange of expertise in managing complex crime scenes.

This practical exercise, attended by the German Ambassador to Morocco as well as several Moroccan and German security officials, involved simulating five distinct scenarios: an armed attack, an explosion caused by an explosive device, the discovery of a radioactive source, the detection of a clandestine laboratory, and the identification of victims.

This initiative aims to assess the preparedness level of the security services, develop their technical and operational skills, and strengthen coordination among the various stakeholders in order to improve the speed and effectiveness of interventions in complex situations.

In a statement to the press, Police Prefect Abderrahmane Youssefi Alaoui, head of the Technical and Risk Management Division at the National Security Directorate’s Institute of Forensic Sciences, indicated that this exercise is part of the various cooperation programs between the DGSN (National Security Directorate) and the German police.

He explained that the operation aims to test the DGSN’s skills and technical expertise in the face of potential security threats that may arise during the organization of large-scale events.

In this regard, he noted that Morocco has acquired significant experience in securing major international events, citing in particular COP22, the International Conference on Migration, the Interpol General Assembly, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

He emphasized that the security component is an essential element for the success of such events, adding that the exercise allowed for an assessment of the technical and scientific skills mobilized in such circumstances.

According to him, the participating teams demonstrated high levels of competence in decision-making and the organization of human and logistical resources.

The official also indicated that cooperation between the DGSN (National Security Directorate) and the German police encompasses the exchange of information, training, and the sharing of experiences and expertise.

This cooperation aims to strengthen the security capabilities of both countries in the face of the challenges related to national and transnational crime, he noted.

For his part, Christian Vidal, Director of the Institute for Forensic Science and Technology in Hanover, Germany, stated that this exercise is the result of a remarkable commitment from both countries and cooperation based on mutual respect, shared trust, and a strong desire to collaborate.

He emphasized the need to further strengthen these exchanges, while expressing his appreciation for the spirit of cooperation and high level of professionalism demonstrated by the DGSN (National Security Directorate) officers.

In this regard, Mr. Vidal commended the professional skills of the Moroccan teams, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge and experience to develop intervention capabilities and address complex security challenges.