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History

History of Criminal Investigation Directorate

02 April 1963

Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID)

The Somali Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) is one of the oldest and most important directorates of the Somali Police Force (SPF), responsible for preventing, detecting, and investigating crimes to enforcing the rule of law. Its history is closely linked to the development of Somalia’s law enforcement and criminal justice system from the colonial period to the present day.

1960-1969

Independence Era (1960 – 1969

Independence Era (1960 – 1969) - After Somalia gained independence in 1960 the Somali Police Force (SPF) was unified, including the CID (Polizia Giudizzaria). - The CID was tasked with investigating crimes, enforcing laws, and maintaining internal security that goes beyond the district Jurisdictions. In which, the National Security Service as an Intelligence body was subtracted from CID espicial Branch (Ramo Spesiale) current National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). - Somalia received assistance from countries such as Italy, the Soviet Union, Germany and Egypt, helping to modernize the CID with better training, forensic capabilities and other necessary equipments.

1969 – 1991

Military Regime

- After the coup d'état in 1969, the regime of Siad Barre took control of Somalia and restructured the police force, including the CID. - The CID was used not only for criminal investigations but also for political surveillance and suppression of opposition groups. - The government strengthened intelligence services, often merging law enforcement with state security operations. - The National Security Service (NSS), an intelligence worked closely with the CID

1991 – 2000s

Civil War and Collapse of Government

- The Somali Civil War (1991-2000) led to the collapse of the Somali government, and law enforcement agencies, including the CID, ceased to function effectively. - Criminal investigations became almost non-existent as Somalia lacked a centralized government for over a decade.

2000s – Present

Rebuilding Efforts

- As Somalia began rebuilding its government in the 2000s, efforts were made to restore the Somali Police Force and the CID. - International partners, such as United State of America (USA) the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), and INTERPOL, provided training and support to help modernize Somalia’s law enforcement agencies. - The CID was re-established with a focus on criminal investigations, counterterrorism, and forensic science. - The Somali government has been working to improve training, technology, and cooperation with global law enforcement agencies to strengthen CID operations.