Stringent security policies and procedures put in place over the past quarter century have borne fruit, with crime rates in Bahrain dropping by about 30 per cent since 2000.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said this accomplishment was felt by every citizen and resident in the country, and credited His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the success.
“Over the past 25 years, the country’s security system has witnessed a clear consolidation, which is reflected in society’s safety and reassurance,” said Gen Shaikh Rashid, in a report featured in the January 2025 issue of Al Amn magazine published by the Interior Ministry.
“Crime rates in the kingdom have declined by about 30pc due to a number of security measures and strategies that place the community at the forefront.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the kingdom’s security personnel, and the introduction of a series of national plans and projects.”
Bahrain’s security system has witnessed a clear consolidation
The Bahrain Police was established in 1919 by the order of the former ruler, HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa.
The police law endorsed in 1920 became the first legislation in Bahrain to regulate police work to boost the security of the nation.
Over the next century, the Bahrain Police gradually transformed into a modern organisation that combines service and community policing.
Many security authorities were formed to meet the requirements of citizens and a strategy of development and modernisation was launched.
A total of 3,197kg of narcotics have been seized by the authorities since 2020
In the past few years, several innovative initiatives have also been taken to consolidate policing in the country. This includes the alternative sentencing project and open prison programme, launched in 2018, which has benefited around 6,700 convicts, and helped them rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.
They come as part of the National Plan to Promote the Spirit of Belonging to the Nation and Reinforce the Values of Nationalism (Bahrainouna), and recently won the Arab Government Excellence Award for Best Arab Government Community Development Project in November.
The Fael Khair initiative was also launched in 2020 to support those with unpaid loans, and is estimated to have benefited more than 1,130 people in the country with more than BD2.7 million donated thus far.
In recent years, there has also been a major shift in how people with drug addictions are policed, the report pointed out.
People struggling with addiction are now being encouraged to seek professional help or contact the Interior Ministry’s hotline 996 for guidance.
“The aim is to help and educate rather than punish addicts, with no legal consequences awaiting those who willingly seek assistance,” the report added.
The new policies are paying off, with no increase in drug cases over the past three years.”
Efforts to clear the streets of illicit substances have also been intensified with 3,197kg of narcotics seized by the authorities between 2020 and 2023.
“We realised the need to develop our security approach to meet our grand aspirations,” said Gen Shaikh Rashid.
“We started by reviewing our concept of policing and determining primary responsibilities.
“Organisational structures were amended and the importance of building trust with the community was highlighted to make society our partner in maintaining security and public order.”
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