06/09/2024
In the framework of the European Community Policing project in Lebanon, renovation work has been carried out in police stations in some of the country's cities
Inauguration of Gemmayzeh police station
In the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion in 2020, many buildings suffered significant damage. Among them was the historic police station in Gemmayzeh. Thanks to the support of the European Community Policing project, this police station, along with others, has been restored with the aim of preserving the architectural heritage.
The renovation will not only improve the operational capacity of the police station but will also symbolise resilience and renewal in a community still recovering from the devastating explosion. The renovated station now boasts modernised offices, improved communication systems and dedicated community engagement spaces, ensuring that the Internal Security Forces (ISF) can better serve the people of Gemmayzeh and the surrounding area.
The Gemmayzeh and Dekwaneh police stations were inaugurated this week. This work is testament to the project’s commitment to creating safer, more functional and welcoming environments for both ISF staff and the communities they serve.
In Dekwaneh, key infrastructure improvements have been made, including upgrading electrical and plumbing systems and renovating offices and detention facilities. It is hoped that the renovated police stations will serve as a model for future police station renovations, demonstrating how modern design and functionality can improve the effectiveness of community policing efforts.
The renovations of these police stations are part of a broader effort under the Community Policing project to improve the infrastructure and capacities of ISF police stations across Lebanon. Funded by the European Union and implemented in cooperation between FIIAPP and CIVIPOL, the project aims to strengthen the relationship between the police and the population by creating environments that are more welcoming, accessible and responsive to the needs of local communities.
The project aims to empower ISFs to play a more proactive role in promoting public safety and addressing public concerns. Upgraded police stations are not merely physical spaces, but represent a new approach to policing that prioritises dialogue, transparency and cooperation between law enforcement and the public.
The renovation of this police station is a clear statement that police officers and the vital role they play in our society are valued. By providing them with a dignified working space, we empower them to perform their duties with pride and professionalism, which ultimately translates into a better service for the population they protect, said Consuelo Navarro, FIIAPP’s field coordinator for the project.
