Leadership in security media: Impact on community safety – Insights from Oman Police

Orientation: This study explores how strategic leadership in security media affects community security in Oman, focussing on drug abuse and psychotropic substances. Research purpose: This study evaluates the effectiveness of media strategies and leadership in addressing drug-related issues and aligning with Oman’s security goals. Motivation for the study: Increasing global interactions and technological advancements have exacerbated security challenges, with drug abuse emerging as a serious threat. Strengthening preventive measures is essential to supporting the goals of Oman Vision 2040 in education, health and governance. Research approach/design and method: A quantitative method was used in this study. A survey designed for Royal Oman Police personnel was refined through expert feedback and a pilot sample of 40 officers. The final survey, distributed via WhatsApp to targeted police groups, received 607 valid responses from 632 collected. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Smart Partial Least Squares (PLS) and AMOS, including Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. Main findings: Media vision significantly influences citizenship, while motivation and influence impact empowerment, laws and citizenship. Demographic factors such as gender and education also shape perceptions of community security, highlighting the need for targeted media strategies. Practical/managerial implications: Insights from the study can improve drug prevention strategies and emphasise the need to align media strategies with security goals, aiding in the achievement of Oman Vision 2040. Contribution/value-add: This study enhances understanding of media leadership in community security, offers practical media strategies and supports drug prevention. Future research should examine contextual factors and long-term effects.