jordan pulse -

The establishment of Jordan’s Public Security Directorate represents a pivotal milestone in the country’s state-building process, underpinning the rule of law and reinforcing stability within a Hashemite vision that has accompanied the state since its inception.

The Jordan News Agency (Petra) reviewed key milestones in the formation of the security apparatus, noting that with the establishment of the Emirate of Transjordan in 1921, security quickly emerged as a fundamental pillar for the state’s survival and continuity. Early structures began to take shape alongside the formation of the first Jordanian government on April 11 of that year, within an institutional approach aimed at maintaining public order and protecting lives and property.

During that period, the foundations of an integrated security system were laid, including the gendarmerie, a reserve cavalry unit, a regular battalion and desert patrol forces, reflecting the nature of challenges faced by the nascent state.

As the country expanded, the need to strengthen security presence in desert areas became evident, leading to the establishment of the Badia Force in 1930 as part of a broader concept of comprehensive security extending across all regions.

In its early decades, the Public Security Directorate operated in close coordination with the Jordan Armed Forces before a major shift in the 1950s when royal directives in 1956 called for separating security forces from the military to enhance specialization and professionalism.

This transition was consolidated with the issuance of Public Security Law No. 29 of 1958, which established the legal foundation for the Directorate as an independent institution under the Ministry of Interior, tasked with maintaining security and public order, combating crime and providing policing services.

Institutional development continued in subsequent decades, including the administrative separation of the Civil Defense Directorate in 1970 and its financial separation in 1978, steps that enhanced operational efficiency and specialization.

Modernization accelerated in the 21st century, with royal directives in 2008 leading to the re-establishment of the Gendarmerie to handle specialized public order and security tasks.

In 2019, further royal directives merged the Gendarmerie and Civil Defense Directorates into the Public Security Directorate in a strategic move aimed at unifying efforts, enhancing coordination and improving the efficiency of security and humanitarian services.

This was reinforced by amendments to the Public Security Law in 2020, providing a comprehensive legal framework for the merger in line with best institutional practices.

On the operational front, the Directorate has continued to enhance its capabilities through modern infrastructure and the adoption of advanced systems, alongside a human-centered approach that strengthens community partnership and improves service delivery.

The Operations and Control Directorate exemplifies this progress, handling thousands of daily calls and responding to incidents with high efficiency through advanced technological systems.

Civil defense units continue to play a vital humanitarian role in emergency medical services, rescue and firefighting, while gendarmerie forces carry out duties in maintaining public order and responding to security challenges within an integrated national security framework.

Field operations are supported by regional commands and the Royal Badia Police, which pursue criminal activity and respond to citizens’ calls, alongside the efforts of criminal investigation, preventive security and anti-narcotics units in combating crime.

In the traffic sector, the Directorate has worked to enhance road safety strategies and public awareness to reduce accidents while expanding digital services, particularly in driver and vehicle licensing.

Development has also extended to specialized departments such as family protection, juvenile services, tourist police, and forensic laboratories, contributing to improved service quality.

Within a reform-oriented approach, correction and rehabilitation centers continue to evolve their programs, shifting from punitive measures toward rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.

Internationally, Jordan participates actively in peacekeeping missions, reflecting the professionalism of its security institutions and enhancing its global standing.

This trajectory underscores how the Public Security Directorate has, for more than a century, served as a model of comprehensive institutional security, grounded in a continuous royal vision aimed at safeguarding stability, strengthening the rule of law, and preserving the achievements of the Jordanian state.

//Petra// AF