Women police officers who put VIPs first
Dubai Police’s all-female VIP protection unit were showing their skills this week to highlight the growing role of women in the force.
Forty-five highly trained women officers specialise in protecting high-ranking officials in any given situation, and are as adept on foot as they are on two wheels.
Warrant Officer Aysha Al Jassmi, 44, said she joined the unit in 1994.
“When I joined, we were only six female police officers,” she said, adding that the training to become part of the VIP protection unit was intense.
“We are sent around 20 times a month to protect highly-valued individuals in ceremonies, accompany major guests, conferences, exhibitions.
“We have to fully control the situation surrounding the official we are protecting. For instance, when we walk around the official in public places, such as malls, we watch over everyone approaching the official.”
WO Sarah Al Duwaili, 30, said that there is no difference between men and women when it comes to protecting people.
“It’s a privilege to serve the country through my work. I feel that my position allows me to demonstrate loyalty to the country that I love,” said WO Al Duwaili, who has a bachelor’s degree in law and is studying for a master’s in criminology at Dubai College.
“It is important for us to lead a healthy life and take exercise. Also, we get training on shooting, swimming and we are trained on how to deal with circumstances in public events or places.”
WO Halima Farhan has been working in the field for 16 years.
“I was one of the police officers who accompanied senior and government officials during the opening ceremony of Burj Khalifa. It was among the hardest missions for me,” she said.
“Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and his children attended the opening ceremony and it was extremely crowded. As a protection unit, our situation was really difficult.”
In addition, she said, sometimes jobs can come at very short notice. “A few months ago, we were alerted that Sheikh Mohammed was visiting the new fish market near Hamriya Port. He was moving around the market freely,” WO Farhan said.
“Some people were buying, others saw Sheikh Mohammed and started running towards him, while others were trying to take pictures. Customers were extremely surprised.
Despite leaders telling them not to block the way of the public who want to shake hands, she says situations can be unpredictable so the unit must remain “alert and vigilant to ensure the protection of sheikhs and senior officials”.
Officers have to make the call between allowing the public to meet a VIP and the requirements of the VIP’s personal safety