a day ago
Dubai inspires Serbian officer to champion innovation and compassion in policing
14 June 2025 14:30
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)Lieutenant Colonel Dalibor Krstajić of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia has described his participation in the Police Innovation and Leadership (PIL) Diploma, hosted by Dubai Police in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology, as a transformative experience that redefined his view of modern law almost two decades of experience in criminal investigations, task forces, and fugitive apprehension, Krstajić currently leads the Fugitive Active Search Team in about the programme, which brought together police officers from 38 countries, he said it offered invaluable exposure to innovative technologies, diverse leadership approaches, and, most notably, a powerful model of organisational compassion.
'The diploma opened my eyes not only to the future of policing in terms of artificial intelligence and smart systems,' he explained, 'but also to something more profound—the human element. What impressed me most was how deeply Dubai Police cares for its people.'
An Emphasis on Officer WellbeingKrstajić pointed specifically to Dubai Police's Happiness & Positivity Council and internal wellbeing initiatives, which offer psychological and emotional support to officers.'It is rare to see a policing institution with dedicated structures focused on the wellbeing of its personnel,' he said. 'If I ever have the opportunity, I will suggest that our Psychology Department exchange knowledge, experience and practices in this area, as well as get the information about working model of Dubai Police".He added that while the technological capabilities of Dubai Police—such as AI-driven surveillance, drone operations, and smart police stations—were remarkable, it was the human-centred leadership philosophy that left the deepest impression on him.
Strategic Learning and Practical ApplicationKrstajić noted that although the core of his current role is operational, the strategic leadership modules offered long-term value. He expressed particular interest in the use of future foresight tools, organisational planning, and adaptive leadership practices. 'Much of the knowledge gained here will benefit me in future roles. It gives you the tools to plan, to lead, and to think beyond day-to-day operations," the officer also praised Dubai Police's community engagement models, calling them 'clear examples of how trust and transparency can be cultivated through proactive communication.'
Serbian PrideKrstajić was proud to witness the participation of Serbian teams in the UAE SWAT Challenge, an elite international competition held during the PIL programme. 'Seeing our officers perform on such a global stage was a moment of great pride. It also reminded me that international collaboration in policing is more vital than ever.'
Inspiring Experience Reflecting on the overall organisation of the programme, Krstajić offered his sincere gratitude to Dubai Police. 'This diploma was not about abstract theories. It was built on real-world experiences and practical insights, shared by professionals with decades of field knowledge. It was a rare opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow—and I leave here inspired.'
He concluded, 'Innovation is not only about technology. It is about doing what we have always done, but in a smarter, more thoughtful, and more human way. That is the lesson I take home with me from Dubai.'
