Law enforcement in Mali
Law enforcement in Mali is the responsibility of the National Police Force (NPF), which is subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Security and Civil Protection.[1] The NPF shares responsibility for internal security with the Gendarmerie,[2] a paramilitary organization.[1]
The NPF's responsibilities are concentrated exclusively in urban areas, while the Gendarmerie mainly works in rural areas too small to warrant the NPF.[1] Local police districts are headed by commissioners, who report to regional directors at national police headquarters.[1] Both forces are judged to be moderately effective despite deficiencies in resources, training, and the persistence of corruption.[1]
According to Interpol, law enforcement in Mali is provided by roughly 7,000 officers, with Mali having the world's lowest police per capita.[2]
