Effective Operational Risk Management (EORM) in the Dubai Police and the Impact of Operational Risk Enablers (ORE)

Abstract

In an era of increasing complexity and unpredictability in public security, effective risk governance is essential for law enforcement agencies. This study investigates how key institutional enablers influence Effective Operational Risk Management (EORM) within the context of the Dubai Police Department. In response to the growing complexity and unpredictability of law enforcement operations, the research develops a conceptual framework that examines the impact of five critical dimensions that are governance, leadership, information technology, risk awareness, and compliance which collectively termed as Operational Risk Enablers (ORE). A quantitative research design was employed, using a structured questionnaire administered to 328 police personnel. The collected data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS. The results demonstrate that compliance, information technology, and risk awareness have statistically significant positive effects on effective ORM, while governance and leadership were found to be non-significant. Among the predictors, compliance emerged as the most influential factor, highlighting its essential role in risk reduction strategies. The model explains 26.3% of the variance in ORM outcomes, indicating a moderate level of explanatory power. The findings contribute to both theory and practice by offering an evidence-based approach to enhancing institutional resilience, optimizing risk governance, and supporting strategic planning in policing operations. The study emphasizes the importance of fostering a risk-aware, technologically enabled, and regulation-driven culture to safeguard public safety and maintain Dubai’s reputation as a secure and innovation-led city.