When Dutch Lieutenant Colonel Renée Lise Peels decided to accept the Dubai Police‘s offer of a PIL Diploma, her ambition was immediately rewarded
For Dutch Lieutenant Colonel Renée Lise Peels, leadership is about creating a safe environment and steering with a vision of continuous growth, adaptability and embracing global perspectives.
As the commander of Gooi en Vechtstreek-Zuid police station in Hilversum in the Netherlands for over five years, Peels has always sought opportunities to expand her expertise. That ambition led her to Dubai, where she is now part of the Police Innovation and Leadership (PIL) Diploma, a prestigious programme hosted by Dubai Police.
Reflecting on her journey, Peels explained how her desire for professional development led to her nomination for the programme. “I wanted to develop my skills beyond national borders. When my profile was reviewed, I was told it was a perfect fit for the PIL Diploma. There was no hesitation—I immediately said yes.”
The PIL Diploma is an exclusive programme that brings together law enforcement professionals from 39 nationalities, fostering an environment where international collaboration and knowledge exchange take centre stage. “It’s like a social experiment,” Peels noted. “We all come from different backgrounds, policing methods, and cultures, yet we find common ground and learn from one another.”
Championing Women in Law Enforcement
As a high-ranking officer in Dutch law enforcement, Peels highlighted the strong representation of women in leadership roles within the Netherlands’ police force. “My chief is a woman, her chief is a woman, and the highest-ranking police officer in the country is also a woman. In my team of 150 officers, nearly half are female. Gender equality in policing is not just a goal—it’s a reality.”
While physical endurance tests differ slightly in terms of physiological differences, Peels emphasised that women and men are treated equally and work together as a team in Dutch law enforcement. “There’s no distinction in our responsibilities.
“In fact, having a diverse team can be an advantage in critical situations—sometimes, a female officer can de-escalate a situation more effectively, and other times, a male officer is better suited. It’s about complementing each other’s strengths.”
Learning from Dubai Police’s Cutting-Edge Innovations
One of the key aspects of the PIL Diploma is exposure to Dubai Police’s state-of-the-art policing strategies. Peels was particularly impressed by the Smart Police Station (SPS) initiative, an innovation that the Netherlands recently adopted in collaboration with Dubai.
“Seeing how Dubai Police integrates technology into policing is inspiring. Their use of AI, drones, and advanced surveillance systems—especially in the Command and Control Centre—demonstrates the future of law enforcement.”
Beyond technology, Peels was also struck by Dubai Police’s community engagement initiatives, particularly the Positive Spirit programme, which strengthens police-community relations. “It’s a large-scale initiative that builds trust between law enforcement and the public. It’s not just about responding to emergencies—it’s about being present, engaging with people, and fostering a positive relationship. That’s something I’d love to see more of in the Netherlands.”
A Transformative Experience
When asked about her experience, Peels responded an enthusiastic voice: “This experience challenges you. It takes you out of your routine, puts you in a new environment, and forces you to think differently.
“It has surely given me a valuable worldwide network that I will utilise during the rest of my police career.”
Beyond policing, Peels has also embraced a new routine in her life, balancing her leadership responsibilities with a personal passion—ceramics. “Every Friday, I spend two hours working with my hands, shaping clay. It’s a way to reset my mind after a week of intense problem-solving. Leadership is about balance; sometimes, creativity helps keep that balance.”
As Dubai Police continues to strengthen global policing ties through programmes like the PIL Diploma, participants like Lt. Col. Peels are not only gaining insights into futuristic policing models but also building lifelong professional networks that will enhance international security cooperation for a safer and happier world.
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