Any serious attempt to examine the great transformations that the UAE police has witnessed during the past years regarding its image, philosophy, function, structures and technical capabilities cannot be completed without exploring the personality of Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. 

HH Sheikh Saif firmly believes in a new era and approach to policing. HH vision includes the participation of citizens and community institutions in the police domain. This is driven by the nature of the security function and supported by the requirements of sustainable development. Based on such insight, the concept of “Community Policing” emerged. 

Community Policing, which aims to deepen police community relations to further rapprochement, understanding, cooperation and mutual respect, so that each individual becomes a "security guard" who will protect themselves, their family and their country, and will preserve everyone's rights impartially within the framework of the concept of comprehensive security.

 

The success of this transformation and the achievement of its goals necessitated a review of all the police communication functions in terms of their objectives, frameworks, mechanisms and practices, in order to realize the ideas and vision of HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed regarding the community-based role of the police force and its direct communication with the public. 

The first step in this respect was the establishment of the Technical Affairs and Security Media Department. Included under its umbrella are all activities related to media and mass communication. Its top sections are: security media, technical affairs, field-based archives, media studies, security coordination, strategic planning and support services. Their most prominent branches are: press & publishing, tv & radio, police magazine 999, photography, publications, media campaigns and other activities that have had a direct impact in communicating with the public. 

The adaptation of this approach, strongly supported by His Highness has led to a number of achievements not limited to the following:

Increased mutual respect and meaningful cooperation between the police, the media and the public

Embedded security culture among the general public Consolidation of community involvement with regard to security duties and responsibilities; and Increased reliance on all areas of society and media organizations to protect the homeland and build good practice in achieving national security and prosperity.

This policy has placed strong emphasis on the close relationship between media and security. The media plays an integral role in promoting an awareness and security culture among the public, youth and people of determination. 

It consolidates the concept of community policing, helps achieve cooperation and interlinks with police services to prevent and ward off criminal threats, in addition to urging citizens and residents to cooperate with the security services in all aspects of criminal prevention. All the while, deepening the feeling of belongingness to the nation, and loyalty to its leadership.