Riyadh: In response to the significant changes and new security challenges facing Arab societies, a shift is needed from traditional security methods to a more comprehensive and integrated approach. This new concept of security connects the state and society within a unified national security framework. Instead of relying solely on strong security responses, this model focuses on an integrated system of prevention, community engagement, and strategic planning, empowering every individual to play a part in their own security.
According to Saudi Press Agency, building modern community security requires reshaping the relationship between citizens and security institutions based on trust, partnership, and transparency. Security becomes a collective responsibility shared by all parts of society and relevant agencies. The core of this strategy is the belief that prevention starts with thought, and that crime is best addressed not just with precise enforcement, but through understanding, community fortification, and early intervention.
In today’s world, where information flows freely and crimes cross borders instantly, security can no longer be a traditional shield. Emerging challenges, from transnational cybercrime to terrorism, trafficking, addiction, and violence, demand a proactive vision focused on protecting society from within.
This is where the role of digital security media becomes a crucial strategic tool. By educating and raising awareness throughout the community, security media helps maintain stability and social cohesion.
Ali Koman, legal expert from the Arab Office for Combating Extremism, Terrorism, and Information Technology Crimes at the Arab Interior Ministers Council, highlighted the need for specialized security departments. Speaking to a Saudi Press Agency reporter, he stressed that the rapid evolution of media and communication technology necessitates a new approach to protecting society from various threats. These threats include transnational crimes, human trafficking, addiction, and domestic violence, as well as the challenges posed by electronic and cybercrimes.
Koman also noted the proactive role of the Arab Interior Ministers Council and its member states in addressing these issues. The council recognized the importance of security awareness early on, adopting an Arab media strategy for security awareness and crime prevention in 1996. This strategy and its subsequent plans were designed to strengthen cooperation between security agencies and other relevant parties to protect Arab societies from crime and harmful intellectual and behavioral trends.
Koman also emphasized the council’s ongoing commitment, demonstrated through its various meetings and conferences, to fostering coordination among Arab security efforts. The goal is to create comprehensive Arab plans to combat a wide range of crimes that threaten societal security.
Koman urged media to actively participate in raising awareness about the technological revolution and its societal impact. He called on member states to adopt a scientific approach in producing educational media content and stressed the importance of using specialized electronic platforms to expose threats to security and social stability. In response, police and security agencies across Arab nations have established security media centers to promote public safety awareness.
Koman also discussed how digital security media can enhance community security strategies. He highlighted that digital media can define and strengthen the relationship between media outlets, security institutions, and citizens. For this to work effectively, those in charge of digital security media must build trust with all parties and operate with a clear vision and objectives. This involves working within well-developed national plans and programs, and ensuring high levels of cooperation and coordination between relevant departments in the ministries of interior and all forms of media-national, civil, and private.
According to Koman, effective security media requires a commitment to core professional values. It is essential to present facts, opinions, and trends with transparency and clarity, while avoiding generalizations, half-truths, and unverified information. The goal of this dynamic media coverage is to promote a sense of security and safety by raising public awareness and sharing accurate security information. By fostering community participation in security discussions, it helps create a unified public opinion that supports societal values.
To improve this system, Koman stresses the need to strengthen the relationship between media and security agencies. This includes working within scientifically-backed frameworks to plan educational campaigns and enrolling digital media professionals in continuous training to keep them up-to-date with rapid digital developments and boost citizen involvement in awareness initiatives. Koman views the citizen’s role as equally vital to that of a security officer, emphasizing that the media can play a crucial part in strengthening this relationship to ensure the safety and security of the nation and its people.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s approach to community security is a pioneering model that effectively redefines and implements this concept. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior, a specialized department was established, combining advanced technology, preventative thinking, and a participatory approach with citizens. This initiative goes beyond a simple administrative project; it reflects a forward-thinking vision that recognizes social stability as the foundation for development. It posits that true security is rooted in a mature society’s ability to protect itself ethically and behaviorally before legal intervention is needed.
The Saudi model highlights the importance of community security as a key pillar of state policy. This is especially effective because it is supported by clear political will, professional security institutions, and a digitally engaged population. A major focus has been on empowering citizens by creating smart and accessible digital channels. These platforms allow individuals to report incidents, provide feedback, and monitor behavioral changes in their communities, all within a secure environment that protects their privacy and encourages active participation.
Public Security Director Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Bassami emphasized to the Saudi Press Agency that the Kingdom prioritizes human security and dignity. He sees this as the bedrock of both stability and sustainable development.
In an era of rapid social change, Al-Bassami stated that community security has become a strategic necessity. This is especially true for addressing modern challenges like extremism, deviance, and human trafficking, which he identifies as serious human rights violations.
According to Al-Bassami, the Ministry of Interior has developed a comprehensive national approach centered on prevention and preemption. This is achieved through integrated security policies implemented by various sectors, with Public Security at the forefront. The goal is to create a safe social environment built on individual awareness, technological efficiency, and institutional integration.
Al-Bassami further noted that the Kingdom’s security strategy is based on an integrated, preventative concept that combines awareness-raising, efficient intervention, and collaboration with society and its institutions. He added that recent structural updates to public security are a direct reflection of the leadership’s vision for building a sustainable and balanced security system.
Al-Bassami said that self-monitoring, promoting citizenship values, and enhancing a sense of security are the key pillars of Saudi Arabia’s community security system. This system was developed alongside educational and awareness programs in partnership with schools, universities, and various community entities. Training initiatives were also launched for educational staff to help them identify and monitor concerning behaviors, and field activities were used to instill discipline and a sense of responsibility. Security agencies further supported awareness content and expanded partnerships with national media to create communication messages based on accurate information to combat rumors and misinformation, thereby boosting public trust in security performance, especially in the digital realm.
Al-Bassami credited the Kingdom’s leadership with supporting this preventative approach, noting that its directives reflect a deep commitment to building a cohesive society capable of confronting intellectual and behavioral threats.
He specifically mentioned the role of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, whose directives have accelerated the development of the security system. As a result of this vision, the General Directorate for Community Security and Combating Trafficking in Persons was established within Public Security in February 2025, which aims to reinforce preventive security concepts and improve the efficiency of interventions and responses.
Al-Bassami explained that the General Directorate for Community Security and Combating Trafficking in Persons has two main objectives: to strengthen monitoring and analysis tools and to coordinate directly with relevant government agencies. This department also develops protection mechanisms for victims and applies the highest legal standards when handling cases, always considering humanitarian, psychological, and social factors.
To further these goals, the Public Security has created advanced training programs for its personnel on monitoring, investigation, and professional victim handling, integrating international best practices. These efforts have enhanced the Kingdom’s security readiness and capacity to combat crimes that cross national borders, which require both internal integration and international cooperation.
Al-Bassami noted that this approach is a continuation of Saudi Arabia’s balanced security development model, which places people at the center of its policies. This model links community security with systematic prevention to protect human dignity, safeguard the social fabric, and strengthen national cohesion.
Concluding his statement, Al-Bassami affirmed that the Ministry of Interior is confidently moving toward building a comprehensive security system in line with Saudi Vision 2030. This system is based on innovation and community partnership, enhancing the role of both citizens and residents in early prevention and using modern tools to combat crime.
Koman also praised Saudi Arabia’s approach to security, calling it a successful model for other Arab nations. He highlighted the Kingdom’s use of comprehensive strategies that focus on communication and community participation, along with both preventive and educational programs.
According to Koman, Saudi Arabia’s experience is notable for its achievements in several key areas. The Kingdom has made significant progress in reducing criminal activity, developed and protected its digital infrastructure, and strengthened the relationship and trust between its society and security institutions.
He emphasized that this holistic approach, which relies on awareness, participation, and technology, has enhanced the efficiency of the security system. The result is a secure and prosperous society with greater resilience and stability. Koman believes this success makes Saudi Arabia’s model worthy of emulation.
The Saudi model for community security is built on the integration of four key pillars: awareness, community, technology, and institutions.
The awareness pillar focuses on cultivating a culture of intellectual security and moderation. It uses educational programs and media campaigns to promote dialogue and national identity, guiding society toward a preventative mindset.
The community pillar involves empowering families, schools, and local neighborhoods to create an environment that supports intellectual and behavioral safety.
The technical pillar leverages
