Colombian Police Chief Lauds Dubai's Community-Centric Crime Prevention Model

A high-ranking police officer from Colombia has commended Dubai Police for their successful strategy of engaging residents in crime prevention and maintaining neighborhood safety. Major Sandra Carolina Chacon Gomez, who leads a police station in Colombia, expressed her admiration for the force's dedication to fostering trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. These remarks were made during the third Policing Innovation and Leadership Diploma, an event organized by Dubai Police in collaboration with Rabdan Academy and held in the emirate.

Major Gomez highlighted her amazement at Dubai Police's pioneering approach to community policing through its 'Positive Spirit Council.' This council spearheads initiatives designed to unite police officers and residents, encouraging public involvement in addressing crime and other societal challenges.

She identified the involvement of residents in community safety as a key takeaway from her visit. "Most importantly, [Dubai Police] succeeded in engaging the residents themselves in community policing to ensure a coherent and safe community for all," Major Gomez stated, referring to Dubai Police's efforts.

Furthermore, she praised the force's methods for preventing serious crime and resolving neighborhood issues, illustrating how policing can extend beyond conventional law enforcement duties. Major Gomez was among the officers representing 45 nations participating in the international training program, which concentrates on policing, leadership, and practical skills. The course integrates classroom instruction with tactical simulations and physical training, facilitating the exchange of ideas and learning from diverse policing systems.

"Being here for me is such a great opportunity because I got to learn a lot of stuff, tactical and academic," she commented, noting that the experience provided insights into international policing approaches while allowing her to share her own experiences from Colombia. She added, "For us, it is an honour to be here." Major Gomez also extended her gratitude to the organizers for the chance to collaborate with officers from various backgrounds, saying, "I would like to extend my thanks to the PIL team for their organisation and making us feel welcome."