El Salvador police learn innovation from Dubai program
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Two officers from El Salvador’s National Civil Police, Inspector Martina Sandoval and Sub Inspector Santos Ernesto Aguilar Murillo, completed a leadership and innovation program in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, organised by Dubai Police and Rabdan Academy.
Sandoval, with 17 years of experience working with vulnerable populations, and Aguilar Murillo, head of the anti-narcotics section in Chalatenango Department, participated with the goal of bringing new policing strategies back to their country.
The Policing Innovation and Leadership (PIL) Diploma focused on international cooperation and provided a space for officers from different countries to learn from each other’s experiences. Sandoval and Aguilar Murillo both noted the value of building relationships with their international counterparts, describing the group as becoming “a family.” Both officers said the program broadened their understanding of innovation in policing, moving beyond the idea that it solely involves technology.
Aguilar Murillo explained that innovation can also mean improving existing practices to achieve better results, while Sandoval highlighted modules on problem-solving and new approaches to daily challenges. They also shared their own experiences. Sandoval, insights from field work, and Aguilar Murillo, perspectives from combating drug trafficking, with the other participants. Sandoval and Aguilar Murillo observed Dubai Police’s use of technology and integration with government entities, particularly impressed by the Operations Centre and the move toward digital processes.
Both plan to apply lessons from the program to their work in El Salvador, including remaining open to change and fostering international partnerships to build trust and enable future collaboration.
