Syria Tourism Police Project

Global Justice Solutions (EMEA), working in close collaboration with the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, is implementing the Syria Tourism Police Project. This project was designed with the intention of supporting the Government of Syria to fulfil its vision of promoting economic growth, international dialogue and regional development through   increased tourism opportunities.  A coordinated approach to Tourist Oriented Policing (TOP) within Syria is viewed as a critical strategy in order to achieve this vision.

In October 2008, a project team consisting of international and local specialists was assembled to implement a range of activities over the next 12 months which include:

  • conducting environmental scans on the nature of tourism in Syria; 
  • researching contemporary TOP approaches;
  • organisational restructuring of the tourism policing divisions within and in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Interior;
  • establishment of operational systems including the development of organisational policies and operational procedures; 
  • creation of a training institute for tourism police recruits;
  • development of capacities of local police trainers through train the trainer programs and operational mentoring strategies;
  • development of police recruit training curriculum; 
  • delivery of instructional sessions which will embrace classroom and on-the-job training approaches; 
  • forging industry and key stakeholder partnerships.

The ultimate aim of this multifaceted and integrated approach is to build capacity; facilitate improvements in structure, systems and procedures; and to provide training which promotes Syria Tourism Police personnel skills in:

  • enhancing visitor experiences when visiting Syria;
  • improving visitor safety and security; 
  • protecting natural and cultural assets; 
  • being responsive to the special needs resulting from calls for service from visitors; 
  • reflecting the Syrian Government vision for a culture of professionalism and service orientation within police agencies; and
  • position Syria as a leading example within the region in the field of Tourism Oriented Police service delivery.