Moroccan security authorities are increasingly relying on video surveillance of public spaces in large cities, particularly in areas with a high concentration of tourists. Through this initiative, the Ministry of the Interior is committed to strengthening the means of combating crime and punishing offenders among road users.
Authorities plan to equip major cities with sophisticated video surveillance cameras for day and night vision. The installation of these devices is governed by strict rules to ensure the protection of privacy. For example, individuals can install surveillance cameras in their place of residence without administrative formality, provided that the system does not infringe on the privacy of neighbors and does not view public roads.
Particularly active cities include Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and Tangier. Now there are plans to expand video surveillance of important streets and public squares in the port city of Tangier.
According to Moroccan media reports, the Tangier municipal council announced that an additional investment of 56 million dirhams would be dedicated to the expansion of video surveillance.
The city of Tangier itself will contribute around 14 million dirhams to the expansion, while the General Directorate of Local Authorities and the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima Regional Council will provide around 28 million dirhams and 14 million dirhams respectively.
This budget will finance network expansion works, as well as the maintenance and installation of the necessary network and electrical infrastructure.
The objective of this measure is to equip public spaces with video surveillance systems so that the services of the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) can better control and regulate traffic, deter road offenses, fight crime and protect public property, according to the statement.
The project, lasting three years, includes the installation of 533 surveillance cameras as well as the establishment of a fiber optic network and dedicated infrastructure over a length of 20 kilometers, covering 111 surveillance points in the city.
In addition, the surveillance systems control room, located at the headquarters of the Tangier police headquarters, will be equipped with the necessary devices to ensure optimal use of the system, and the associated data center will be modernized and equipped.
In Morocco, the expansion of video surveillance is also critically evaluated. As in Europe, people experience this as constant surveillance and an intrusion into privacy. It is also doubtful whether camera surveillance helps prevent criminal acts, but rather only increases the chances of crime being solved.
