Community partnership reduces crime in society
Manama : The community partnership is a concept adopted by Interior Minister Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa 11 years ago, and its benefits are being felt even now, said Assistant Chiefof Public Security for Community Police and Supervisor of the Police Media Directorate Brigadier Mohammed Bin Daina.
The initiative has reinforced all sections of society mainly because government organisations, NGOs, citizens and residents considered themselves as security partners, he said.
“Through community partnership, people joined with the police in confronting impediments coming in the way of maintaining security. As a result, there is considerable reduction in crime, decline in illegal activities, better sense of general safety among the people and a decline in the number of accidents.
“Bahrain has been a good example in community partnership. Relations between all sections of society were based on respect and trust, and the creation of the community police 12 years ago has created a sense of security and stability in the Kingdom,” Mohammed Bin Daina said.
A new police philosophy
The philosophy has promoted presence of policemen in society to guard people. The police interacted with the people to learn about their needs and listen to suggestions. The police visited homes of elderly to show they were also part of the community. Besides, children are no longer afraid with policemen and they look up to them as role models.
Beginning in America
The idea to create a police force close to the community was first developed in America in 1967. From then on, police have been adopting characteristics to remain close to the community. In 1980, Japan also adopted the concept drawing in their regular force into serving the society.
In the Kingdom
The community police became a reality in the Kingdom in 2004 and the first batch of 190 community police personnel were selected from all governorates. The police evaluated situations in neighbourhoods and prevented crime, updating security requirements.
“The concept became a success in the Kingdom with the cooperation of the public. The community police coordinated with municipal councils, educational institutions and NGOs and fought crime and improved security. They also attended the injured in accidents.
“Women constituted 25pc of the workforce. So the policewomen could efficiently handle cases related to domestic violence and juveniles,” said the Assistant Chief of Public Security.
Every year, the Community Police Day is marked with a certain theme to renew and promote the concepts of the forces.
Various activities and programmes, including the ‘Maan’ (Together), are conducted to fight violence and drug addiction in schools.
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