Syria’s safe zone relies on Civil and Military Police to maintain security, with Civil Police handling civilian matters and Military Police managing military-related offenses. Despite improved crime rates and checkpoint management, challenges from tribal influence, weapon prevalence, and poverty persist, highlighting the need for economic and social reforms to ensure lasting peace.
The safe zone in Syria, established through the Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, and Peace Spring Operations, relies on both Civil and Military Police forces to maintain internal security amid a complex landscape shaped by conflict. The Civil Police, under local council jurisdiction, serve civilian areas, handling local incidents and working closely with civilian courts. Structured similarly to Turkish law enforcement, they focus on preventing crime and maintaining order, while Military Police, managed by the Syrian Interim Government’s Ministry of Defense, oversee offenses involving military personnel and hostile forces. Through a collaborative approach, these agencies have achieved crime reduction, improved checkpoint management, and enhanced public security, yet face ongoing challenges from tribal dynamics, organized crime, and widespread weapon ownership.
Increased coordination between Civil and Military Police has been crucial in tackling persistent security issues, such as unchecked arms, poverty, and societal trauma. For instance, Military Police now manage a reduced number of checkpoints, which has centralized and organized security in the region, garnering positive responses from local populations. However, economic hardships and disrupted education, resulting from years of conflict, continue to fuel crime rates. These structural issues present formidable obstacles, with policymakers urged to prioritize solutions to poverty and community resilience to sustain and strengthen peace in the safe zone.
Introduction
Following the establishment of the safe zone in Syria in 2016 through the Euphrates Shield Operation, later expanded by the Olive Branch and Peace Spring Operations, internal security has become a crucial issue. A safe zone’s architecture requires not only securing frontlines but also ensuring safety within its borders. With a reduction in terror attacks since its establishment, internal security in the region has significantly improved. As in any region, law enforcement agencies, including police forces, operate within the safe zone.
Since the safe zone in Syria was created in 2016 via the Euphrates Shield Operation and later expanded by the Olive Branch and Peace Spring Operations, ensuring internal security has emerged as a vital concern.
This report, based on field research, provides an overview of the Civil and Military Police organizations responsible for internal security in Syria’s safe zone. It introduces the internal structure, responsibilities, and jurisdictions of these two security forces and examines their achievements to date and the structural challenges they encounter. Additionally, the report addresses a wide range of topics, from crime rates and improvements at checkpoints to the solidarity between civil and military police, the prevalence of personal firearms, and the adverse effects of war conditions.
Structure of the Civil Police Organization
The Civil Police Organization in the safe zone operates under the jurisdiction of local councils. Each local council in the safe zone has its own civil police unit. For instance, the Azaz Civil Police Organization is connected to the local council in Azaz, and the Al-Bab Civil Police Organization serves under the Al-Bab local council. All civil police units report to their respective local councils, which, in turn, are affiliated with the Syrian Interim Government.
Currently, there are 20 Civil Police Organizations in the safe zone, including those in Rasulayn, Suluk, Tal Abyad, Jarabulus, and Afrin. These units consist of local residents recruited by their local councils, and all civil police forces operate independently, with no hierarchical relationships between them. Each unit is self-governed within its jurisdiction.
In the safe zone, the Civil Police Organization functions under local councils, each of which oversees its own civil police unit, leading to the existence of 20 autonomous Civil Police Organizations throughout the area.
Civil police units in the safe zone are established upon official requests by the Syrian Interim Government, with advisory support from Turkey’s Gendarmerie or Police for normalization and humanitarian efforts. Thus, the organizational structure of these units is similar to Turkish law enforcement models. Turkish advisors respect the residents’ right to self-govern, offering technical guidance while avoiding direct involvement in operations except in cases of legitimate self-defense.
Each Civil Police Organization employs between 600 and 2000 officers, and approximately 3-5% of the force comprises women. Salaries are allocated from local council budgets, and police officers receive their payments through the local postal network. The recruitment process varies by region, with each unit conducting independent hiring based on age, physical fitness, and education requirements. After selection, recruits undergo a 1.5-month training program and are then assigned to various branches based on their skills.
Jurisdiction and Crime Control of the Civil Police
Civil police jurisdiction is confined both geographically and in terms of their target demographic. Each Civil Police Organization serves its respective region and is only authorized to intervene in civilian-related incidents. Incidents involving military personnel are handled by the Military Police, and any civil-military conflicts are transferred to the Military Police’s jurisdiction.
The jurisdiction of civil police is limited geographically and by the populations they serve, as each Civil Police Organization is permitted to handle only civilian-related matters within its designated area.
Civil police oversee issues ranging from theft to minor public disputes, while controlling checkpoints and traffic involving civilian vehicles. They collaborate closely with civilian prosecutors and courts, with legal processes initiated at police stations and progressed to civilian courts where necessary. Civilian convicts are subsequently detained in facilities overseen by the civil police.
Structure of the Military Police Organization
The Military Police Organization in the safe zone operates centrally with a hierarchical structure connected to the Syrian Interim Government’s Ministry of Defense. The central command oversees branches such as the Ras al-Ayn, Suluk, Tal Abyad, Jarabulus, and Afrin units. Military police personnel are drawn from Syrian soldiers who have combat experience, especially those who have defected from the national army due to moral opposition to civilian harm during the Syrian revolution.
Each Military Police branch comprises 300 to 700 soldiers, who receive monthly wages from the Ministry of Defense, taking into account factors such as marital status and educational background.
Operating under the Syrian Interim Government’s Ministry of Defense, the Military Police Organization in the safe zone features a centralized hierarchy with branches in areas like Ras al-Ayn, Suluk, Tal Abyad, Jarabulus, and Afrin, recruiting only seasoned Syrian soldiers for its ranks.
Military Police positions are not open to civilians; only soldiers can join. Personnel are selected through a referral system from the Syrian National Army and trained by officers with extensive military experience. Upon completion, they are assigned roles according to their training and skills.
Jurisdiction and Crime Control of the Military Police
Military police jurisdiction in the safe zone focuses exclusively on military personnel and hostile forces. They operate without geographic limitations and are authorized to transfer temporarily for operations across different branches as required.
The jurisdiction of the military police in the safe zone is solely centered on military personnel and adversarial forces, enabling them to function without geographical constraints and to address issues like bribery, smuggling, and drug-related offenses.
The Military Police handle offenses among soldiers, including bribery, smuggling, theft, and drug-related crimes, as well as managing the detention and processing of enemy combatants and terrorist group members. They work with military prosecutors and courts, ensuring that cases proceed with legal authorization. Sentences are carried out in military detention facilities under military police oversight.
Achievements and Challenges Faced by Security Forces
The civilian and military police structures in the secure zone of Syria have made substantial progress in establishing order and maintaining internal security. The recruitment of local civilians for the civilian police has enhanced acceptance and effectiveness in the region, while forming the military police from soldiers under the Syrian National Army has helped to address local order issues. The centralized, hierarchical structure of the military police is especially critical for establishing central authority in the secure zone. As a result of coordinated efforts between these two entities, crime rates have decreased, and noticeable improvements have been observed at checkpoints, an area of longstanding civilian concern. However, the prevalence of individual weapon ownership, war conditions, and tribal structures pose significant obstacles to further improvement in security services.
Significant advancements in establishing order and ensuring internal security have been achieved by the civilian and military police forces in Syria’s secure zone, leading to lower crime rates and better conditions at checkpoints.
Crime Rates
Efforts by both civilian and military police in Syria’s secure zones have led to a significant decline in crime rates. Beyond the reduction in crime, the capture of criminals and a decrease in unsolved cases are even more notable. During periods when police activity was less effective, residents had limited recourse to seek justice, often attempting to protect their rights individually or through contacts within the Syrian National Army. During these times, many crimes, such as theft and robbery, went unresolved. This situation, resembling anarchy, was unsustainable, and the inability to apprehend criminals seriously damaged the perception of security in the region. However, increased efforts by both the Civil and Military Police Forces have strengthened operations to capture criminals. Many interviews indicate that a majority of offenders are now apprehended compared to previous years. The implementation of a surveillance system has been a key factor in this success, enabling police to quickly identify both ordinary criminals and individuals operating on behalf of terrorist organizations. Moreover, two administrative decisions—the requirement for all residents to obtain identification from local councils and the issuance of license plates for all vehicles—have further facilitated police efforts.
The collaborative initiatives of civilian and military police in Syria’s secure zones have resulted in a marked reduction in crime rates, with enhanced enforcement allowing for the apprehension of most offenders, as opposed to earlier years.
Another critical development is that individuals now approach civilian and military police for justice instead of turning to Syrian National Army groups. Previously, conflicts between individuals could easily escalate into clashes between Army groups. Now, people prefer to resolve disputes through legal means by visiting police stations, which has led to justice-seeking becoming more regulated.
The positive impact is particularly evident in places like Jarabulus. According to the Civil Police data, the number of murders in the Jarabulus area dropped from 393 in 2017 to 267 in 2023. Terror-related offenses decreased from 335 in 2017 to 63 in 2023, while kidnappings declined dramatically from 201 in 2017 to only seven in the first half of 2024.
There has been a significant change where people prefer to pursue justice through civilian and military police rather than turning to Syrian National Army groups, leading to a more organized method of resolving conflicts.
Not only are crime rates among civilians decreasing, but crimes committed by military personnel—specifically those affiliated with the Syrian National Army—are also dropping. A public statement from the Ministry of Defense of the Syrian Interim Government on August 19, 2023, reported that 433 military personnel across the secure zone had been detained and prosecuted for criminal offenses between January and May of 2023. This joint effort by civilian and military police to combat both civilian and military crimes has been largely successful.
Transformation at Checkpoints
Checkpoints, a long-standing issue and source of criticism towards the Syrian opposition, have seen significant improvements. Previously, each Syrian National Army faction operated its own checkpoints, resulting in over 600 uncoordinated checkpoints in the secure zone, with frequent reports of bribery and extortion. Under the leadership of the Syrian Interim Government, these checkpoints underwent a comprehensive transformation. All control points were handed over to the Military Police, reducing their number by 85%. Checkpoints now operate centrally and with standardized procedures managed by the Syrian Interim Government.
The secure zone’s checkpoints have greatly improved, shifting from more than 600 disorganized checkpoints operated by different Syrian National Army factions to a centralized system overseen by the Military Police, resulting in an 85% reduction in their total number.
Checkpoints are now divided into separate lanes where civilian vehicles pass through lanes controlled by civilian police, while military vehicles are checked by military police. This structural change has bolstered security and won widespread approval from the local population. The organized and centrally managed checkpoints are positively received by all segments of the secure zone.
Solidarity Between Civil and Military Police
One of the greatest obstacles to security efforts in the secure zone is the presence of tribal structures and organized crime groups. Civilian police officers, who are typically less armed and lack military experience, struggle with these entities. Organized crime groups consist of many armed individuals who are equipped to protect their illegal gains. When civilian police conduct operations, armed confrontations can arise due to the combat experience of some group members, and civilian police are sometimes at a disadvantage.
A major hindrance to security initiatives in the secure zone is the existence of tribal structures and organized crime groups that create difficulties for civilian police officers, who are generally less armed and lack military training during confrontations.
Regarding tribal structures, these networks have grown stronger as people have relied more on tribal bonds for survival during the war. This resurgence of tribal identities has led to increased tribal loyalty, and tribes often act to defend their members. For example, when a civilian police officer detains a suspect, the tribe to which the individual belongs may mobilize, even taking to the streets with weapons to demand their release. Additionally, tribal councils sometimes replace courts, making rulings based on tradition rather than law, which poses challenges to the rule of law in the secure zone.
Faced with these challenges, coordination between the Civil and Military Police Forces is essential. The Civil Police request assistance from the Military Police, who have combat experience and the capability to use force when necessary. Additionally, the Syrian National Army intervenes in conflicts involving tribal or organized crime groups, maintaining authority in such cases.
Effective collaboration between the Civil and Military Police Forces is crucial, as the Civil Police frequently seek help from the Military Police, who possess combat experience and can apply necessary force to address issues involving tribal and organized crime groups.
Another area of solidarity is the fight against drug trafficking. Civilian and military police coordinate large-scale operations against drug traffickers, with the Syrian National Army providing support when needed.
Widespread Weapon Ownership and War Conditions
One of the greatest challenges that both the civilian and military police face is widespread individual weapon ownership in the secure zone. This problem particularly affects civilian police, making routine security duties more dangerous. Even minor incidents, like traffic disputes, can quickly escalate into violent encounters, sometimes involving firearms. Nearly everyone in the region owns a weapon, posing a risk to the safety of civilian police on duty.
Reducing individual weapon ownership seems unlikely in the near or medium term. The ongoing conflict and harsh conditions drive individuals to acquire weapons, and if the frontline becomes active, many civilians are likely to fight as backup forces. The economic conditions also present significant challenges; about 90% of the population in Syria lives below the poverty line. Education has been disrupted, and high unemployment and poverty create a context in which crime rates are relatively high. Despite efforts by NGOs and religious authorities to raise awareness, the conditions of war can still lead individuals to criminal behavior.
A significant challenge confronting both civilian and military police is the pervasive ownership of firearms among individuals in the secure zone, which heightens the risks associated with everyday security tasks, especially for civilian police officers.
Police salaries are insufficient to meet basic family needs, and many people in the workforce, including Syrian National Army soldiers, local council employees, and civilian and military police, face financial hardship. Psychological trauma is also prevalent among residents, and this adversely affects security and order.
Conclusion
Civilian and military police structures in secure zones differ in organization and responsibility. The Civil Police, composed of locals, report to local councils, while the centrally organized Military Police report directly to the Syrian Interim Government’s Ministry of Defense. This structural difference has created different capacities, yet both units positively impact general order and security in the secure zone. Their biggest achievements include reducing crime rates, fighting crimes committed by Syrian National Army soldiers, and fostering strong solidarity. This solidarity has enabled the authorities to effectively combat both organized crime and tribal structures that defy the law. Additionally, the transfer of checkpoints from Syrian National Army groups to the Military Police has positively impacted internal security, with the number of checkpoints decreasing by 85%, creating a more normalized and secure environment.
Nonetheless, both police forces operate under difficult conditions. Widespread individual weapon ownership, war-driven economic hardship, and a generation that has lacked educational opportunities continue to undermine security. Policymakers should focus on resolving these structural problems. Addressing issues like poverty-driven theft and violent disputes will require administrative and economic solutions to achieve sustainable peace and security in the secure zone.
The organizational and operational structures of civilian and military police in secure zones are distinct, as the Civil Police answer to local councils while the Military Police are directly accountable to the Syrian Interim Government’s Ministry of Defense; despite these differences, both forces contribute positively to maintaining order and security in the region.
