UNIPATH STAFF
The United Arab Emirates’ International Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism, also known as Hedayah, recently offered two executive seminars on the role of police officers in stemming the appeal of radicals.
The seminars promoted the concept that improved outreach and consistent law enforcement will help police counter violent extremism in communities where terrorists focus some of their recruitment. The courses were offered in 2013 at the organization’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi in partnership with the United States Institute of Peace.
“Utilizing the unique ability of the police to protect and serve the community can result in increased legitimacy and public support for the government in its struggle with extremists groups,” according to a Hedayah news release.
Participants used case studies, examined best practices and held group discussions to emphasize the role of police officers in building relationships with the citizenry.
These were just some of several useful seminars offered recently by the organization. In 2013, Hedayah and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism – The Hague hosted a meeting for experts involved in the use of psychology to rehabilitate and reintegrate violent extremists.
Hedayah was created in 2012 as an apolitical, nonideological and multidisciplinary institute for collaboration, training and research dedicated to the study and prevention of extremist violence.
Sources: Hedayah, U.S. State Department