Abu Dhabi to have one cop per 58 residents
abu dhabi — The UAE Capital was recently ranked as the second best place in the world to live and work in. The safety and security of citizens, expats and tourists is key to getting ranked among the best nations in the world, the Abu Dhabi Police told Khaleej Times.
In an exclusive statement, the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police said authorities have adopted comprehensive strategies and initiatives to ensure the community’s safety.
With more than 34,000 police officers currently in Abu Dhabi, the Capital will have over 47,500 officers by 2021, thus representing one officer for every 58 people. “Our country has become a safe and secure oasis and an attractive environment that provides for the wellbeing of all citizens, residents and visitors.
“The Abu Dhabi Police’s vision in adopting initiatives directly linked with the community have seen a positive interaction by residents. The continuous progress by Abu Dhabi Police reflect the systematic practices that are implemented according to the best international ones,” the police said.
They highlighted that the initiatives launched within the past two years, in particular, “immensely enhance security awareness”.
Security strategies
One of the main goals of the Abu Dhabi Police is to maintain securi- ty, inspired by the principles of the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision. “The plan is to focus on maintaining a whole and safe society, despite the rapidly increasing numbers of residents.”
The official said that community members play a vital role when it comes to maintaining a safe city, and that no role goes unnoticed, pushing the Abu Dhabi Police to create various campaigns that allow residents to engage in — including ‘We Are All Police,’ which has so far seen a whopping number of 7,476 applicants.
The initiative, launched by Major-General Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, Commander-inChief of the Abu Dhabi Police, in September 2016, allows Emiratis and expats to be trained to become community police officers.
More than 200 nationalities live in Abu Dhabi, and as the population continues to grow by an average of seven per cent each year, so does social responsibility. “With the rise of residential communities, security concerns also increase.” Hence, collective participation is being encouraged.
Mounted police
The horseback police team, which made a comeback in July 2016 after a 10-year gap, is another security initiative. The mounted police, which was first launched in 1974, have modern equipment, and 300 trained policemen and horses are deployed — 60 in Abu Dhabi city, and the rest in Al Ain and the Al Dhafra Region. “The sight of policemen on horseback patrolling the neighbourhoods helps provide a sense of security.”
The Off-Road Motorcycle Patrols, launched this January, also help enhance safety. It provides quicker access and response to accidents, particularly in hard-toreach areas like camping sites, wild areas and farms. “The offroad motorcycle patrols work to ensure that police patrols arrive at the scene in the shortest possible time.”
Bicycle patrols, launched in October 2016, also cut response time. “Bicycle patrols help maintain the security of the community, while ensuring police presence in all locations.” The cyclists wear police uniforms, while some wear civilian clothing, and often go around commercial and residential areas, beaches and parks. “The cyclists ride for more than 30 kilometres each day and speak at least two languages, allowing them to easily communicate with nationals and expats.”
Another initiative, the Happiness
Our country has become a safe and secure oasis that provides for the wellbeing of all citizens, residents and visitors.” General Directorate, Abu Dhabi Police
Vouchers, presents law-abiding road users with redeemable gift vouchers. “The initiative makes the roads safer and spreads a culture of commitment to traffic rules, while delighting motorists by rewarding them with a ‘happiness voucher,’ delivered by the Happiness Patrol.”
The Abu Dhabi Police also launched ‘e-Services,’ and various campaigns on social media platforms — including Facebook and Instagram — which have played a major role in providing the public with easy access and communication to authorities, while helping spread safety awareness.