KUWAIT CITY, Dec 3: Police officers stationed at the security checkpoint at the end of Jaber Bridge in the northern part of Kuwait work around the clock to ensure the safety and stability of both citizens and residents.

The daily visited the security checkpoint to observe the important security preparations for the desert season.

According to the Commander of Mutlaa Brigadier General Mohammad Fahad Al-Ajmi, the Jahra Security Directorate has mobilized all resources for security deployments in the desert areas in Subiya, Mutlaa, and Abdali farms. The aim is to prevent any unlawful activities, maintain public order, and act quickly for dealing with reports.

He revealed that the crime rate during the camping season has dropped by 90 percent compared to previous years, thanks to the heightened security presence and the quick response to reports.

Brigadier General Mohammad Fahad Al-Ajmi explained that food truck stops have been organized by designating a specific area for them on Subiya Road. It is prohibited for grocery stores and food trucks to operate in the desert in order to prevent problems, disputes, or harassment. Also, illegal workers found in these areas are immediately deported, and any unlicensed grocery stores or trucks are seized by the municipality.

Vehicles are not searched at checkpoints unless there is a clear criminal offense or the individual is acting suspiciously.

Most of the reports received at the security point are related to providing humanitarian services, such as assisting with “flooding” in the desert, and dealing with harassment and gatherings, all of which are dealt with immediately.

Here are the details of the interview:

Question: What are the security preparations for the camping season?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: The Jahra Security Directorate has made all necessary security preparations, including setting up a security checkpoint in Subiya desert at the end of Jaber Bridge. Patrol presence has been intensified in the Mutlaa desert and Abdali farms to ensure the security of desert and farm visitors. This is achieved through a strong presence of security personnel, detectives, and patrol officers who provide essential services and assistance.

Q: What are the most common reports that you normally deal with?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: Most reports are related to stuck vehicles, gatherings, or harassment. These incidents are promptly dealt with by security personnel, and when necessary, the firefighters are called in to assist.

Q. Has there been a decrease in crime rate this year compared to previous years?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: Yes, there has been a significant decrease in crimes during the current camping season, with a reduction of over 90 percent compared to previous years. This improvement is largely due to the intensified police presence and the establishment of night security checkpoints throughout the governorate to arrest wanted persons and outlaws.

Q. How do you handle the rental of ATVs (buggies)?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: Renting buggies is now strictly prohibited. Security campaigns are being held in coordination with the municipality to take legal action against those renting out buggies. Any buggies found being used on the streets are immediately confiscated.

Q: Have any buggies been seized?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: Yes, we have seized around 140 buggies over the past two weeks in Subiya and Kabad.

Q: What actions are taken against camps that create disturbing noises, parties, or other disruptions?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: Any camp owner found violating public morals will have their camp immediately removed by the municipality, as they were granted a license based on specific conditions. Also, unlicensed camps will be dismantled by the municipality. Camp owners must adhere to public moral standards to avoid legal consequences, especially with teams from the morality police actively monitoring camps for such violations.

Q: In which areas are camping prohibited?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: Camping is prohibited in all areas near military and oil installations.

Q: Can you tell us about the security deployment in Mutlaa?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: There is a large security deployment in Mutlaa on a daily basis. Nighttime checkpoints are set up to control security and monitor wanted persons. These security campaigns have been effective in reducing crime rates and dealing with issues related to illegal and marginal labor.

Q: Is it true that public security patrol vehicles contain cameras to preserve the rights of individuals?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: Yes, it is true. Approximately 95 percent of the Jahra security patrols are equipped with cameras. These cameras help preserve the rights of both the security officers and the individuals involved. They document all procedures from the moment a person is stopped until they leave. If any issues arise, the footage is reviewed, and appropriate actions are taken.

Q: Does the security officer have the right to search vehicles at a checkpoint?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: A security officer can search a vehicle at a checkpoint only if there is a flagrant crime. This means the officer must witness a crime, such as actually seeing narcotics, or any other clear criminal activity with his eyes. If the person is in an abnormal state, the officer may search for evidence of a crime. Otherwise, vehicles are not to be searched without permission from the prosecution.

Q: How many deportations have there been under the Jahra Security Directorate?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: Since the beginning of this year, the Jahra Security Directorate has deported 1,300 individuals. In addition, 313 people have been arrested, 13 wanted criminals have been apprehended, and 153 wanted vehicles have been seized.

Q: How many reports have been dealt with by the Jahra Security Directorate?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: The patrol teams of the Jahra Security Directorate has dealt with 20,200 reports promptly.

Q: How many people have been arrested in possession of narcotics?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: A total of 407 individuals have been arrested in possession of narcotics. Legal measures have been taken by referring them to the concerned authorities.

Q: What about street vendors?

Brigadier General Al-Ajmi: The directorate has arrested 143 street vendors and deported them from the country.

Meanwhile, Jahra Security Director Brigadier Dr. Hamad Al-Tawala affirmed the importance of treating all citizens and residents with the utmost respect and professionalism at security checkpoints on Jaber Bridge.

He instructed security personnel to maintain a high standard of courtesy during inspections and when responding to reports, stressing that every police officer reflects the true image of the Ministry of Interior.

The ministry’s mission, he noted, is to ensure security as well as safeguard the rights and dignity of the public.

During a night-time inspection of the security point in Subiya, Brigadier Al-Tawala, who was accompanied by Assistant Security Director Brigadier Hussein Dashti and senior security leaders, highlighted that the directives of the acting Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior Lieutenant General Salem Al-Nawaf, and the Assistant Undersecretary for Public Security Affairs Major General Hamad Al-Munaifi must be translated into reality through a permanent security presence, which plays a crucial role in apprehending wanted individuals and criminals.

Brigadier Al-Tawala said the role of a police officer is vital in maintaining stability and ensuring safety, adding that senior leaders of the Ministry of Interior place great value on this responsibility.

He called on all personnel to redouble their efforts in serving and protecting the country and everyone who resides on its precious soil.

In addition, Assistant Commander of Mutlaa area Colonel Faisal Saleh Al-Shammari affirmed the round-the-clock deployment of mobile security patrols throughout Mutlaa.

He highlighted the strategic proximity of the Mutlaa Police Station to the new area, which further enhances security oversight and discipline in the area.

Colonel Al-Shammari stressed that buggies are banned from being driven on public roads in Mutlaa, affirming that buggies found on the roads will be immediately seized by security personnel.

He urged both citizens and residents to refrain from driving them on the streets, as they are only permitted to be driven in desert areas.

Colonel Al-Shammari urged everyone to adhere to the safety and security guidelines within the camps, such as not leaving stoves on or open flames unattended inside tents while sleeping, warning that failure to follow these precautions could result in dangerous accidents, such as suffocation or fires.