How Dubai Police bikers unit catches those violating restrictions
VOLUNTEERS CYCLE AROUND COMMUNITIES AND CAUTION MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS VIOLATORS
Awoman jogging close to midnight in Dubai Marina is stopped by a cyclist and informed about Covid-19 restrictions, another cyclist stops a driver to check his movement permit.
Like to play cop and cycle at night? This is what you will be doing by volunteering with the Dubai Police ‘Ride with Dubai Bikers Unit’ initiative.
Gulf News tagged along with one of these patrols in Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Marina ensuring people comply with movement restrictions between 11pm and 6am.
Col Mohammad Ahli, deputy director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Dubai Police, said: “The initiative aims to raise awareness about precautionary measures and is part of ‘We Are All Responsible’ campaign launched to support the fight against Covid-19.”
How does it work?
Captain Khalifa Mohammad Al Room, head of the Dubai Police volunteering platform, said volunteers should be fit enough to ride a bicycle and have a certificate to prove he or she hasn’t been infected. “There is a supervisor
and a paramedic on each bicycle team. Volunteers are provided with police jackets and safety gear,” he said.
Volunteers patrol JBR, Arabian Ranches, City Walk, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard and Al Khawaneej areas.
“More than 6,000 people applied
to join the initiative,” Al Room said. “Volunteers educate others on the importance of social distancing, wearing masks and gloves as well as complying with movement restrictions.”
Volunteers can only warn the violator and can’t issue a fine. If the violator doesn’t comply with the warning then the policeman escorting the volunteer can step in for action.
Violators of movement restrictions face a Dh3,000 fine.
‘Interesting experience’
Shuroq Al Ashkri, a volunteer, said she was excited to be joining the unit. “It is a very interesting experience because it’s very enlightening to see how the police work and how people respond to the rules. We haven’t seen many people out which speaks a lot about the awareness that’s spread around the country. I’m happy to be part of this initiative,” Al Ashkri said.
Volunteers are encouraged to spread awareness even when they are not on duty. “This is what is meant by community participation in raising awareness as the volunteer will pass his experience to family members and friends,” Al Room said.
“With the passing of time, we’ve noticed the majority of society is complying with precautionary measures,” Al Room said.
Cycle patrols can reach narrow spots and streets in the city that normal patrol cannot.
Dh3,000 fine for refusing to comply with movement restrictions despite being warned