PurposeMany organisations attempt to improve their performance through innovation but innovative activities exert an undefined influence on police performance. Furthermore, studies on determining the role of creative leadership and knowledge sharing on the relationship between service innovation and police performance are scarce. Thus, the aforementioned relationship was empirically analysed in this study using creative leadership and knowledge sharing as moderating variables.Design/methodology/approachIn this quantitative cross-sectional study, data were collected from 435 Ajman police employees using an online questionnaire. The hypothesised associations were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling.FindingsThe statistical findings clearly demonstrated that service innovation favourably influenced the Ajman police performance. Creative leadership positively moderated the relationship between service innovation and police performance while knowledge sharing did not.Research limitations/implicationsThe results presented a wide range of theoretical and practical implications. Police performance can be improved by promoting service innovation, which can be enhanced by creative leadership.Originality/valueEmpirical research that examined the connection between innovation and police performance is scarce. Additionally, the role of creative leadership and knowledge sharing in this relationship is unknown. Thus, this research aims to close the knowledge gap and provided data to support the hypotheses. This study is unique as these factors are used in police agencies.