Engage with public via social media, Dubai Police urged

A politics and government specialist at Facebook, praised Dubai Police's efforts to interact with citizens and stressed the potential benefits of social networking.

Dubai // Police are being urged to make more use of Twitter and Facebook to engage with the public.

At an event hosted by the National Academy for Research and Development, a politics and government expert at Facebook praised Dubai Police’s efforts to interact with citizens and stressed the potential benefits of social networking.

With the surge in mobile and internet use, “a police force interacting with people on social media probably has a higher profile impact than simply connecting with people on the streets”, Elizabeth Linder said. This interaction, Ms Linder added, could build trust and become a vital source of information.

“The UAE has great potential to adapt quickly enough and not be overwhelmed by the pace and speed of 21st century governments,” she said.

Dr Najwa Diab, chief executive of the academy, said social networking had become an important tool. "With Facebook and Twitter, you can change the world," she said.

The Dubai force’s Twitter account, @DubaiPoliceHQ, has more than 144,920 followers.