A forensic science expert from the Namibian Police has described a Police Innovation and Leadership Diploma by the Dubai Police as a transformative milestone.
Inspector Katrina Tulela Iitengula participated in the Police Innovation and Leadership (PIL) Diploma organised by Dubai Police in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology and now plans to implement key insights from the programme to drive institutional improvements within her country’s police force.
A ballistic specialist at the Physics and Ballistics Division of the Namibian Police Forensic Science Institute, Inspector Iitengula joined the second edition of the PIL Diploma to explore how innovation, officer wellbeing and leadership excellence are integrated into one of the world’s most advanced policing systems.
“The PIL Diploma was a turning point for me,” she stated. “Beyond its diverse academic content, the programme provided direct exposure to Dubai Police’s holistic innovation and operational development approach. It showed me that pioneering policing is possible even in environments vastly different from ours in Namibia.”
Key Takeaways in Officer Wellbeing
One of the most impactful lessons for Inspector Iitengula was Dubai Police’s systematic framework for officer happiness and mental health. From regular wellbeing surveys and psychological readiness check-ins to morale-boosting initiatives, Dubai Police has established a comprehensive model that transcends daily duties.
“In Namibia, while we offer medical support to officers, we currently don’t measure psychological wellbeing or job satisfaction in a structured way,” she explained. “The feedback-driven, responsive model in Dubai is one I intend to propose gradually—starting with my own division.”
Collaborative Learning Environment
Through engagement with fellow officers from 39 countries, Iitengula observed remarkable cultural harmony and a shared commitment to progress. She highlighted the diploma’s value in fostering international knowledge exchange and mutual growth.
She now aims to bring this collaborative mindset to Namibia’s internal training and leadership programmes—alongside Dubai Police’s best practices in wellbeing, workplace satisfaction, and operational councils such as the Happiness and Positivity Council, which promotes work-life balance and internal communication.
Enhancing Technical and Forensic Capacity
As a ballistics expert, Inspector Iitengula paid special attention to her visit to Dubai Police’s General Department of Forensic Evidence and Criminology. “I focused on understanding the structural organisation, equipment, workflows, and inter-departmental coordination,” she said. “This insight will help enhance our own capabilities in Namibia.
“I believe the combination of advanced technology and institutional discipline is key to achieving fast, accurate forensic outcomes—an increasingly critical need in the justice system.”
Women’s Empowerment in Policing
A prominent female leader in Namibian forensics, Iitengula views her participation in the PIL Diploma as a vital opportunity to champion women’s leadership in security. “Namibia is making significant strides-with our police department being highly inclusive with numerous women serving in senior leadership roles.
“Additionally, our current president is the nation’s first female head of state,” she noted. “I hope to apply what I’ve learnt here to sustain and expand women’s empowerment in policing, making female leadership a model of excellence, discipline, and professional growth.”
A Personal Milestone
In a surprising personal achievement, Iitengula learned to swim for the first time as part of the diploma’s health and wellness activities. “I couldn’t even float before—now I can swim!” she said with pride. “This experience reminded me that with determination, we can overcome any challenge. Swimming will now join crochet as a new creative hobby that helps me relax and maintain balance.”
A Return Home with Purpose
As the diploma draws to a close, Inspector Iitengula returns to Namibia with a wealth of actionable insights and, more importantly, a clear implementation plan.
Her focus will include introducing wellbeing surveys and structured feedback systems, enhancing leadership-employee communication, upgrading forensic processes through technology, encouraging inter-departmental collaboration, and promoting global leadership values and female empowerment in the policing sector.
“This diploma wasn’t just an educational experience—it was a complete reset of how I understand leadership and innovation,” she concluded. “I’m leaving Dubai with a renewed sense of purpose and a strong drive to turn what I’ve learnt into meaningful change.”
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