'Protecting rights of PODs top priority for Sharjah Police'

Sharjah Police is dedicated to upholding the rights and ensuring the safety of people of determination (POD) in all security situations, a top official has said.

- Ruqayya Al Qaydi

He emphasised that the police force operates on a foundation of respect, appreciation, and immediate assistance for people of determination.

In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the ongoing Inclusion International's 18th World Congress in Sharjah, Lt Colonel Saeed bin Hamid Al Qasimi, head of the Security Guards Department, outlined the comprehensive protocols and specialised training that Sharjah Police has implemented to ensure that people of determination are treated with the utmost care and professionalism.

"We have clear protocols in place," he said, "which include using simplified language or sign language when needed, providing a safe and obstacle-free environment and ensuring the presence of companions or interpreters during investigations or interrogations."

He added that protecting the rights and privacy of people of determination is a top priority for the force. To this end, officers undergo specialised training to equip them with the necessary skills to interact effectively with this segment of society.