TEHRAN -- The Commander of Iran's Law Enforcement Forces (LEF) Brigadier General Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Sunday that expert opinion and history both indicated that security achieved without popular participation was costly and ephemeral and would turn into insecurity after a short while.

Qalibaf, who was speaking at the Third Gathering of LEF's Social Affairs Deputies, said the bulk the activity of LEF's Social Department had to be devoted to cultivation of popular participation and education, and to accurate information dissemination.

He said participation was not tantamount to arming people and using them as night guards, rather instead, it meant collaborative and educational work within the context of a rational and suitable atmosphere.

He said an LEF built around the concept of society called for its own particular strategy, structure, and mentality, but he added the important factor was expert manpower.

Qalibaf also called for a wider participation of experts and academics in the county's security matters.

The Third Specialized Gathering of LEF's Social Affairs Deputies was held for one day at the LEF Headquarters in Tehran, with the aim of assessing the ongoing programs and elaborating on future policies.