The opening ceremony of the fourth edition of the INTERPOL Young Global Police Leaders Programme YGPLP, under the theme “Policing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” was witnessed by Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Acting Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, alongside Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General, and the Assistant Commanders of Dubai Police.
Hosted by Dubai Police in collaboration with INTERPOL, the four-day event at the Officers’ Club features young police leaders from 34 INTERPOL member countries, as well as a select group of speakers, specialists, experts, lecturers, and trainers from Dubai Police and various international organisations.
The programme commenced with a video presentation that traced back to Dubai in 2018, showcasing moments from the first edition in 2019 and the second in 2022, both hosted by Dubai Police and the third edition hosted by India.
The fourth edition of YGPLP, held under the theme “Policing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” explores how this rapidly advancing technology can be harnessed to enhance police operations, improve community safety, and combat crime in all its forms.
Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansoori stated that the launch of the fourth edition of YGPLP, with the participation of 34 countries from around the world, reaffirms Dubai Police’s leading role in promoting international cooperation and communication.
“This initiative aims to advance security and police work, exchange knowledge and best practices among nations, and develop human resources, particularly young police leaders, through specialised programmes that prepare them to address future challenges. The programme also highlights the challenges of AI and how this swiftly advancing technology can be leveraged to advance police work and develop innovative solutions to ensure the progress of police agencies,” he said.
Al Mansoori added that Dubai Police is committed to providing all necessary resources, capabilities, and expertise to support young police leaders and enhance their readiness for the future. “The programme allows participants to exchange experiences and practices under the guidance of a distinguished group of specialists and experts, enabling them to achieve a high level of competence that will assist them in making informed decisions in their security and police organisations,” he continued.
Al Mansoori also noted that the fruitful collaboration between Dubai Police and INTERPOL, along with the ongoing support and guidance of His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, aims to elevate the performance of police forces worldwide.
“The collaboration enhances effective and continuous communication between young leaders on an international scale, improves responses to various security challenges, and leverages AI as a fundamental tool in police operations,” he reaffirmed.
In his keynote address, Jürgen Stock, Secretary General of INTERPOL, expressed his pleasure to be in Dubai once again, where the concept of the YGPLP was first announced at the 2018 General Assembly. He noted that in less than six years, expertise has grown tremendously, and this success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Dubai Police. He welcomed the young leaders attending the programme, emphasising that together, they can better secure communities amidst challenges, including the rise of AI.
“The world is changing rapidly, as is the landscape of cross-border threats, increasingly driven by new technologies,” he highlighted.
Jürgen Stock further added that AI has proven to be an exceptional force in enhancing law enforcement, becoming increasingly vital to the effectiveness and efficiency of our agencies. It facilitates crime prevention, investigations, and public safety. He pointed out that this year alone, Dubai Police announced the integration of AI systems in 29 administrative processes across various departments.
“In 2023, INTERPOL, in collaboration with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, issued the “Responsible AI Innovation for Law Enforcement” guide to provide a foundational framework for law enforcement worldwide. Since then, interest in these efforts has grown, and only last month, the UN Secretary-General’s report on “Strengthening and Coordinating United Nations Rule of Law Activities” brought this topic to the global spotlight,” he said.
Stock stressed that “as we transition into an era of rapid AI growth, adapting to technology should not be seen as a challenge but as an opportunity to inspire innovation and ensure our teams are well-prepared for future challenges. One of his key messages to police leaders has always been, “Think globally, act locally.”
He added that the success of our efforts depends not only on our ability to harness AI but also on our ability to collaborate, innovate, and lead with a global perspective. The future of policing hinges on how we use AI and ensure it serves the course of justice. With the right approach, AI can be a powerful ally in our fight against crime, whether local, regional, or transnational.
Dr Madan Oberoi, Executive Director of Technology and Innovation at INTERPOL, welcomed the Secretary-General and officials from Dubai Police, as well as participants from 34 INTERPOL member countries. He highlighted the diverse backgrounds of the participants, including expertise in AI, digitisation, IT, forensics, training, and legislation. Participants also focus on crime areas such as financial crimes, crimes against children, and terrorism.
“The young leaders were meticulously selected through a rigorous process that included meeting specific requirements and interviews to explain their motivations for joining the programme,'” he noted.
Oberoi emphasised that the YGPLP was established to highlight the importance of international cooperation and INTERPOL’s role in supporting it. The programme provides opportunities for learning from seasoned law enforcement officials and enables participants to present ideas and findings to a diverse audience, fostering global networking opportunities.
Oberoi also provided a brief history of the programme, noting that the first edition was held in Dubai from 1 to 4 September 2019, focusing on emerging trends and their impact on the future of policing.
A delegation of young leaders presented the findings of the first edition at INTERPOL’s 88th General Assembly in Chile in October 2019. Dubai Police also hosted the second edition of the YGPLP from 13 to 17 March 2022, which focused on the skills required for future police officers, the future of criminal investigations, and the tools and devices of the future in law enforcement.
The third edition, held in India from 25 January to 2 February 2023, addressed the role of trust in the criminal investigation process. A delegation of young leaders from the programme participated in a symposium at the 2023 INTERPOL Policing Sciences Conference in Singapore and the 91st INTERPOL General Assembly held in Vienna, Austria.
Oberoi explained that the fourth edition of the programme delves into policing in the age of AI, highlighting the emergence of AI as a transformative force reshaping industries and societies worldwide. AI fundamentally refers to developing computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and problem-solving. While AI is a field of study, an “AI system” or “AI technology” is a product of this field, a practical application designed to perform a specific task. The practical applications of AI currently span various fields, ranging from healthcare to education, entertainment, and beyond.
He continued by stating that policing is no exception, with agencies worldwide already developing, acquiring, and using various types of AI technologies to support an increasingly wide range of activities, including image, text, and speech analysis or risk assessment. AI has become a powerful tool for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of agencies, helping to prevent crime, conduct investigations, and ensure public safety. AI is on track to become one of the essential tools in policing.
Meanwhile, Engineer Major Khalifa Al Room, Vice President of the Dubai Police Young Leaders Council, stated that true future-building begins with practical steps in the present. “The knowledge, skills, and relationships acquired today represent the awareness, maturity, wisdom, and leadership of the future,” Al Room said.
He emphasised that the YGPLP is a crucial step in knowledge-building and a significant opportunity to achieve scientific benefits that will shape future leaders in security and policing.
“The programme also offers a unique and valuable experience through which we build and extend bridges of communication and cooperation to achieve future aspirations and visions that aim to serve humanity and enhance security in our communities,” he continued.
Al Room highlighted the pride Dubai Police takes in the YGPLP, which is organised and managed by a young team from the Dubai Police Young Leaders Council, with members from various disciplines and sectors within Dubai Police.
“The programme is overseen by the General Department of Criminal Investigation and the senior leadership of Dubai Police, in collaboration with INTERPOL’s Innovation Centre and supported by its leadership,” he explained.
Al Room added that in 2017, Dubai Police launched the Young Leaders Council as an independent entity comprising elite young leaders from various sectors and disciplines. “The council operates within an integrated strategy to support young people in the police sector through various programmes and initiatives,” he noted.
Al Room confirmed that the YGPLP is one of the programmes to which the council gives special attention and great importance, with the support and patronage of His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.
“This support serves as a strong incentive for all of us to support the police work system locally and globally, and my presence here today, representing Dubai Police as one of its young members, is a testament to the empowerment provided to young people within Dubai Police,” Al Room concluded.
The first day of the programme featured a keynote lecture titled “Future Foresight Skills for Leaders in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” followed by a “Orientation Session” with the young participants, led by the INTERPOL Secretary General and several Dubai Police leaders and experts. The day concluded with a brainstorming session led by three specialised trainers, focusing on key areas that support the development of security and police work, including “Uses of AI in Police Agencies,” “Criminalised Uses and Misuse of AI by Criminals,” “Responsible Use of AI,” and “Engaging the Community in Understanding How Police Use AI” to protect society and combat crime.
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