DUBAI: As part of the Police Innovation and Leadership Diploma (PIL) organised by Dubai Police in partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology, two senior officers from Pakistan’s National Police – Colonel Kamran Ali and Colonel Umar Farooq – praised Dubai Police as an exceptional model that is reshaping the global standards of modern policing. They described the motto “Smart.Secure.Together” not as a slogan, but as a comprehensive philosophy integrating artificial intelligence, proactive security, and community engagement.
Thanks to this diploma, Dubai’s policing model is no longer confined to the UAE. It now serves as a beacon for law enforcement agencies worldwide—including Pakistan’s National Police—which seeks to translate these visionary concepts into practical strategies in one of the world’s most complex security landscapes.
Both officers represent a progressive face of law enforcement, driven by a clear mission to transform Dubai’s success story into actionable plans for Pakistan. From digital transformation and AI integration to community-based policing, they see Dubai Police’s motto as a global roadmap for the future of effective policing.
“Dubai Police’s motto clearly reflects the features of modern policing,” said SSP. Kamran Ali. “They’ve leveraged technology not just to enhance security, but to build a police force that is more inclusive, more efficient, and better connected with the public – a path that we, as law enforcement leaders, must follow.”
Meanwhile, SSP. Umar Farooq described Dubai Police as a global benchmark for comprehensive digital transformation in policing.
Bringing the Model Home: The two officers arrived in Dubai with a clear objective: to learn and implement impactful change back home.
SSP. Kamran Ali and SSP. Umar Farooq bring extensive experience in managing sensitive operations and leading thousands of personnel. They hope to return to Pakistan with new operational tools and practical concepts to build a smarter, more community-oriented police force.
Heading a unit of 2,500 officers in Kashmir, SSP. Kamran Ali had long awaited the opportunity to join the diploma. Despite being unable to join the first cohort due to urgent duties, he applied again with full confidence in the value of Dubai’s pioneering model.
“Dubai Police’s approach will allow us to establish new frameworks adaptable to Pakistan’s policing landscape,” he stated.
SSP. Umar Farooq, who serves in a prominent operational role, added that the programme is more than an academic pursuit:
“This diploma is an investment in the future of policing in Pakistan,” he said, urging law enforcement leaders worldwide to take part.
Technology to Improve Operations and Public Services: Dubai Police’s technological capabilities left a lasting impression on both officers, especially SSP. Kamran Ali:
“For decades, we worked within traditional operational structures. Dubai has shown us how AI, automation, and data integration can not only enhance security but serve as tools for community engagement. This is the model we need to follow.”
With his background in electrical engineering, SSP. Umar Farooq particularly appreciated the programme’s technical content:
“The diploma gave us a solid understanding of how AI, blockchain, and machine learning can revolutionise daily policing operations. It inspired me to envision how these technologies could improve our own systems – from handling reports and predicting crime to addressing challenges as they arise.”
Replicable Success Stories: The officers believe Dubai Police’s unique initiatives – such as the Positive Spirit campaign, the Youth Leadership Council, and the Smart Police Stations (SPS) – are replicable models in Pakistan.
SSP. Kamran Ali praised Dubai Police’s commitment to community and youth engagement.
“Initiatives like Positive Spirit show how a police force can build trust, boost morale, and promote happiness within the organisation and the broader community. These are ideas we can adopt in Pakistan, despite our large geography and law enforcement challenges, by activating the potential of Pakistani youth.”
Meanwhile, SSP. Umar Farooq stated, Our police services are already 60% digital. What we lack is a user-friendly public interface and a smart self-service system like Dubai’s SPS. We could also benefit greatly from Dubai’s Happiness and Positivity Council, which enhances staff wellbeing through optimal resource use. There’s a real need to bridge the gap between senior officers and junior ranks, boost morale, and support mental health – especially in a force under heavy pressure like ours.”
Wellbeing: A Priority for Police Work: Both officers agree that policing in Pakistan is not just a job – it’s a way of life. They emphasised the importance of maintaining physical and mental balance.
For SSP. Kamran Ali, achieving a work-life balance is no easy task, but it is possible. He revealed his “secret weapon” – a passion for poetry.
“I’ve written 73 poems in Urdu, Punjabi, and English. I hope to publish a collection that reflects not only poetry but the cultural and emotional side of police officers.”
SSP. Umar Farooq believes the key to balance is discipline:
“I’m a fast-paced thinker and doer – fortunately, so is my wife. Despite the demands of the programme, we managed to explore the UAE together. Time management and task discipline are essential both professionally and personally.”
In addition to the academic and strategic aspects, the officers also took part in the diploma’s physical fitness challenges. SSP. Umar Farooq showed significant improvements in strength, endurance, and overall health:
“It wasn’t just physical – it was mental training too. A fitter officer is more resilient and adaptable.”
Keep Leading the Way: Both officers deeply appreciated Dubai Police’s world-class efforts to redefine policing.
SSP. Kamran Ali lauded the exceptional organisation of the diploma – from its content to its execution – calling it a transformative experience that positively changed his outlook on policing.
SSP. Umar Farooq echoed this sentiment, praising Dubai Police for its seamless and effective approach to international cooperation:
“There were no bureaucratic barriers in communicating with Dubai Police. Everything was smooth and responsive – unlike what we’ve seen in other models.”
He encouraged Dubai Police to continue inspiring police forces worldwide, especially in building smart policing systems.
As they prepare to return to Pakistan, both SSP. Kamran Ali and SSP. Umar Farooq carry with them a new conviction: smart policing, safe systems, and strong community ties are not a distant dream – they are a necessary goal that every law enforcement agency must strive to achieve.
rafiq@biztoday.news
