In an exclusive interview, Major General , deputy head of the Homeland Security Sector, tells Al-Ahram Weekly that respect for human rights and transparency will be the hallmark of the department What guarantees are there that the newly formed Homeland Security Sector will not resort to the kind of practices that made its predecessor so notorious? First, there are clear policy guidelines on how the Homeland Security Sector (HSS) operates. Then there are the changes that have occurred in the security forces, on a national level, and on both a material and human level. The changes have seen many departments of the security apparatus shrink, and have thus lessened any capacity to interfere with the freedom of citizens. The main guarantee, though, must always be respect for the rule of law, including the new law being drafted to regulate the work of the HSS which is currently being studied by the relevant authorities before being presented for ratification. For decades security personnel acted with impunity. How can we be sure that the kind of abuses they perpetrated will not be repeated? There has been a major revision in the way in which the security services operate and it is now understood, as never before, that maintaining good relations between the public and the police is a prerequisite for maintaining security. We are working transparently, our doors are open, and complaints are dealt with seriously and responsibly. Those who stray from the path set out will face disciplinary action. The democratic atmosphere we are living in makes it difficult to envisage any return to old practices. Yes, there were violations in the past, mistakes were made, but they happened in the shadow of a system that is now gone. All institutions, security included, must change and adapt to the new circumstances, otherwise they will be unable to serve the nation and its people. Do you believe that the new training courses given to security personnel are enough to change the mindset of police officers used to obtaining information through abuse? We have laid down new procedures, including the investigation of any violations committed by HSS personnel or any other sector of the security apparatus. Now we need to give the new system a chance, to see how it is working. No institution can afford to go back to its old practices. And as far as the security agencies are concerned we are well aware that the wrong doing of a few can tarnish the reputation of the entire apparatus. We are very keen to maintain our image while supporting the goals of the revolution, safeguarding human rights as well as aiding and protecting the work of surveillance bodies. But don't you think that in order to do that a major change in personnel is necessary? We've already made the necessary changes. In the rank of major general, for instance, there has been a 75 per cent turnover in staff. We are monitoring closely how well our personnel adapt to the new procedures. So far, what has emerged, is that younger officers are most flexible. We are still in the process of evaluating and will remove any officers who fail to comply. There were many incidents of torture at the hands of personnel from the dissolved State Security Intelligence. Do you think such officers should face trial or should we simply let bygones be bygones? There is no such thing as letting bygones be bygones. What the 25 January Revolution achieved was the result of a long struggle. The door is open for complaints and investigations, whether they result in administrative or judicial action. When can we say that the police will be functioning at full strength? The police force has passed through a severe crisis. Buildings have been destroyed, cars and other tools. There is a profound lack of self-confidence among its personnel. Each day we are improving. There are positive signs. Given the gradual rise in performance I think the police force should be fully operational within two months. How can the public and police be reconciled? Through normal practices, the opening of dialogue and the battering down of closed doors. The loss of trust is the outcome of decades, and it is not only due to practices of the security apparatus but also because of the now discredited way in which the country was ruled. This placed the police in an impossible position. Of course there is a trust deficit. Mending it will take time. Both sides, though, are keen to rebuild trust. It will happen when our new procedures are in force and are seen to be applied. Does the HSS have a role in combating the kind of thuggery that has become so prevalent? We have a role in combating anything that impacts on national security. We have a role in tackling the sectarian strife that so disfigures our community, as well as lesser problems. We constantly monitor, highlight loopholes and cooperate with other bodies to secure the nation. Will journalists wanting to join the Press Syndicate have to be approved by the HSS as they were its predecessor? Most procedures that impinged on individual freedoms have been cancelled. Journalists no longer need to be okayed by us. And how about extremism and terrorism? Terrorism is among our main responsibilities. We will not broaden its definition, for otherwise we'll go back to the old times. We only deal with practices that violate the law or threaten the nation's stability and security. By Interview by Jailan Halawi
