ABHA, 22 September — Interior Minister Prince Naif inaugurated the 10th conference of police directors here yesterday and urged security officers to be fully prepared to counter any security challenges.
"Repetition of mistakes and weakness in performance will cause harm to the security of the country and its people and achievements," he said.
Prince Naif expressed confidence that the conference would produce constructive resolutions to improve the efficiency and skills of the country's security officers. He said increased efficiency would result in better crimes prevention. Prince Naif also urged the public to cooperate with security personnel.
The minister highlighted the significance of security in the promotion of economic and cultural development. He also noted the efforts of Saudi police in providing security to millions of pilgrims and tourists who visit the Kingdom every year.
Prince Naif also inaugurated a nationwide traffic awareness campaign which is to last 45 days. Prince Naif, who arrived here earlier in the day, opened a security exhibition being held on the sidelines of the conference.
Earlier on arrival at Abha Palace Hotel, the venue of the conference, Prince Naif was received by Lt. Gen. Asaad Abdul Kareem Al-Fareeh, director of public security, and other senior officers. Prince Naif was accompanied by Prince Mohammed ibn Naif, assistant interior minister for security affairs.
Prince Naif unveiled a plaque to mark the launching of the third phase of the traffic campaign organized as part of the government’s efforts to reduce the growing number of road accidents in the country.
The campaign also aims at creating a sense of responsibility among all members of society and strengthening relations between security officers and the public. A number of government departments and private companies are taking part in the campaign.
Fareeh had held a meeting with police directors here on Friday to make final preparations for the conference, which is set to discuss a number of papers including on patrol and traffic police departments.
In a press statement yesterday, Fareeh said the Sept. 11 attacks had no effect on Saudi security machinery. "We have been working to strengthen our security system before the Sept. 11 events," he told Okaz daily.
