Colombian police officer hails Dubai for turning residents into partners in fighting crime

DUBAI: A senior Colombian police officer has praised Dubai Police for involving residents in community policing and making them active partners in preventing crime and keeping neighbourhoods safe. Major Sandra Carolina Chacón Gómez, who commands a police station in Colombia, said Dubai’s approach demonstrates how modern policing can go beyond law enforcement by building trust, encouraging public participation and strengthening community safety. Major Gómez shared her observations while attending the third edition of the Policing Innovation and Leadership (PIL) Diploma, organised by Dubai Police in collaboration with Rabdan Academy. “We were amazed by how Dubai Police pioneers the community policing concept through its Positive Spirit Council,” she said, describing the initiative as one of the most memorable aspects of her experience in Dubai. She particularly praised Dubai Police’s efforts to reduce serious crime and negative phenomena across different areas of the emirate while empowering residents to contribute directly to public safety. “Most importantly, [Dubai Police] succeeded in engaging the residents themselves in community policing to ensure a coherent and safe community for all,” she said. Residents become part of the solution Major Gómez said the Positive Spirit Council demonstrates how policing can extend beyond traditional security operations by bringing officers and residents together around a shared responsibility for safety. She praised Dubai Police’s approach to combining crime prevention with community engagement, creating an environment in which residents are encouraged to play an active role in protecting their neighbourhoods. For Major Gómez, the approach was particularly inspiring because it demonstrated how relationships with the community can become part of a broader security strategy. Her observations also highlighted the value of exchanging policing experiences across borders and exploring approaches that could offer useful lessons for different communities. Learning from officers from 45 countries Beyond community policing, Major Gómez described her participation in the PIL Diploma as an opportunity to learn from different policing systems and exchange experiences with officers from 45 countries. “Being here for me is such a great opportunity because I got to learn a lot of stuff, tactical and academic,” she said. Coming from South America, she said the international experience had given her an opportunity to explore how police organisations in different parts of the world approach security challenges, leadership and operational responsibilities. She also welcomed the opportunity to share Colombia’s policing experience with officers from other countries, describing the exchange of knowledge as one of the programme’s most rewarding aspects. Beyond classroom learning Major Gómez also highlighted the diploma’s combination of academic instruction, tactical knowledge, physical training and practical exercises. Rather than focusing exclusively on theoretical learning, the programme gives participants opportunities to develop their professional capabilities through practical experience and interaction with instructors and fellow officers. “For us, it is an honour to be here,” she said, praising the opportunity to receive daily instruction combining theoretical knowledge with physical training and hands-on experience. She said the approach helps officers strengthen their skills, broaden their perspectives and gain practical insights that can support them when they return to their respective police organisations. For Major Gómez, the experience has been as much about discovering different ways of thinking as acquiring professional knowledge. An international policing experience Major Gómez also praised the welcoming environment provided by Dubai Police and the organisers of the PIL Diploma. “I would like to extend my thanks to the PIL team for their organisation and making us feel welcome,” she said. Her experience highlights how the Policing Innovation and Leadership Diploma brings together officers from different cultures and policing backgrounds to exchange ideas, explore innovative practices and strengthen international professional relationships. For Major Gómez, one of the key lessons from Dubai is that safer communities are not built through police efforts alone, but also through the active involvement of the people who live in them.