Sharjah: Authorities here are working to change a longstanding public mindset that reporting crimes to police can embroil innocent people in affairs that are not their own.
In a modern era when Sharjah Police are adopting international policing standards to protect its communities, people should not fear reporting simple information that can lead to the apprehension of alleged criminals, police say. To reform people’s attitudes, Sharjah Police are working within their community police division to encourage the public to report any information that they may have.
“If you witness a crime, you have a vital role to play in bringing the criminals to justice. You may well be feeling upset and have doubts about reporting what you have seen,” said Major Ebrahim Meer Al Sarah, acting director of Media and Public Relation Department at Sharjah Police.
“There is no legal obligation to contact the police, but the information you give them could bring a criminal to justice,”
Police are working to engage with the public in all fields and gain their trust, he said. “We are working to change this idea through several channels.”
Maj Al Sarah said people can report any information they have to Najeed service, a security communication service between the public and Sharjah Police, to report any information that contributes to maintaining the security and stability of the country.
“The service aims to promote responsible individuals in the delivery of information that will protect the community from any risks and the participation of all citizens and residents to confirm their role in the maintenance of security and stability of the country, and provide an easy and secure channel of communication,” he said.
In addition, Najeed service ensures caller protection and ensures their safety, as well as exemption from any liability.
“A witness statement is your written or video recorded account of what happened to you. A police officer will ask you questions and write down what you have said. You will be asked to read it and sign it. When you sign a witness statement you are saying that you agree the statement is a true account of your experience. Your witness statement may be used as evidence in court,” he said.
