Dubai: Dubai Police are set to begin testing 80 mini digital video cameras worn by police officers who interact with the public, a Dubai Police official confirmed.
Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Dubai Police Chief, announced on Monday that all officers in the force who engage with the public may soon be wearing small video cameras affixed to their uniforms to record interactions.
Maj Gen Al Mazeina said they will test the cameras for six months.
He added that these cameras will help measure the officer’s commitment to providing high-quality security services for members of the society — whether residents or visitors.
The cameras will also help ensure transparency and impartiality in the interaction between both parties and also motivate the officers to provide the best services.
Maj Gen Al Mazeina said the new cameras are up to international standards, easy to use, and can record up to eight hours of video and audio. They are also lightweight and mobile.
He added that the officer will have no control over the footage or the camera, so he cannot alter or erase the footage. The footage will be stored at an independent storage unit at the Dubai Police headquarters when the officer’s shift is over.
Colonel Khalid Nasser Al Razooqi, General Director of Smart Services at Dubai Police, told Gulf News on Tuesday that they are currently working on acquiring the cameras.
“The cameras will protect the rights of both sides, because sometimes we receive complaints of mistreatment and there is no proof to support any of the sides. The camera’s footage will be the proof,” Col Al Razooqi said.
He added that they have taken the privacy aspect into consideration as they take people’s privacy seriously.
“People will be notified that they are being recorded.”
The officer will also wear a tag that informs the public that they are being recorded.
Col Al Razooqi said that the cameras are expected to be implemented by the end of the year.
People can send Col Al Razooqi any questions about Dubai Police Smart Service on his Twitter Account @KhalidAlrazooqi.
UAE residents welcomed the new Dubai Police camera initiative.
Manar Atef, 23, who works in Dubai, said that it was a very good idea. “It’s like when etisalat or any customer service helpline records the calls to ensure quality service.”
She added that this will ensure that her rights are protected. “It is not like it is really needed, but this helps in cases where an issue happens and it is my word against the officer’s word or a third party involved. This will ensure that all sides are represented and there is proof.”
Mohammad Nabeel, 30, an Egyptian who works in the IT industry, said this will protect everyone’s rights.
“This is a great idea and it shows how Dubai Police are keeping up with latest trends in using technology,” he said
He added that this might make people think twice before saying something as it will all be recorded and could be held against them if something happens.
Rajesh Menon, 34, suggested this could dramatically change situations when police meet people who think they can get away with being impolite to police.
“Most people are decent with the police, but there are some people who think they are above the law and argue. This will probably change,” he said.
He added that this is a great step from Dubai Police and shows they care about the people they serve.
