Abu Dhabi: The year 2017 has witnessed a major transformation in Abu Dhabi Police as the force replaced its emblem, police uniform colour and the colour of its fleet of vehicles.
In July, new tamper-proof police badges with a new emblem were launched and in September vehicle colours were replaced, while in November new uniform colours were introduced.
Major-General Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, said, “The new police badges can’t be duplicated and it’s foolproof. From now on, each police officer [including non-officers] has to show his official badge with his police ID card so that everybody would know that he represents the Abu Dhabi Police.
“In fact, we wanted to further localise the entity of Abu Dhabi giving more features that can showcase the local culture and tradition of the emirate,” he said.
In September, the red and white colours of the emirate’s police vehicles were replaced with blue and white colours.
Gradually, all Abu Dhabi Police fleets, including traffic patrols, rescue and assistance cars will be converted into blue and white. The process is under way.
Maj-Gen Al Rumaithi said, “We aim to further enhance the whole image of Abu Dhabi emirate with new branding, corporate designing and that’s the purpose.”
The transformation was attributed to attach more traditional, cultural and local texture to a local government entity.
Maj-Gen Al Rumaithi said the Abu Dhabi Police always keep modernising the services to better serve the community.
The police introduced new uniform colours in November — beige colour uniform instead of existing green for male officers and dark grey instead of blue for female officers.
The transformation of police identity was also a part of November 21 celebrations of the 60th year of Abu Dhabi Police’s establishment.
Maj-Gen Al Rumaithi said, “Wearing the police uniform shows attachment to the nation for establishing peace and stability.”
Uniforms in different colours have been selected as per the duties of the officers concerned.
The male police uniform comprises beige colour jacket, trousers, beige colour beret with black stripe [from the existing red] and black shoes instead of red shoes. Officers on investigation and field operation duties now have grey and dark blue uniforms.
Female officers’ uniform comprises dark grey jacket, skirt with dark blue beret and black scarf and black shoes.
“The police uniform always gives a feeling of pride among those who wear it and make them devote themselves to ensuring security and peace in the society,” the police said.
The new police uniform is a symbol of strength for those who wear it, while others show respect for them [as they protect the society], police said.
5 types of uniform
There are different types of uniform for five different departments as per their nature of responsibilities that include police, administration, specialised task, field patrols and women police.
General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police: Beige jacket, trousers, cap and black shoes.
Administrative staff: Beige jacket, trousers and black shoes.
Specialised officers: Dark grey jacket, trousers and black shoes.
Field patrols: Beige jacket, trousers, beige desert colour shoes.
Women police: Dark grey jacket and skirt for administrative work and trousers for field operation, blue beret and black shoes.
Policing by robots and drones
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police unveiled last year its future strategies for drone and robotic policing.
In 2057, the police will celebrate its 100th anniversary of its establishment, so hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, robots, driverless cars and drone ambulances will be the changes leading up to that milestone.
Abu Dhabi Police launched a series of strategic initiatives last year under the theme of ‘Future Police 1957-2057’ (its 100th anniversary) at the Armed Forces Officers Club in the capital.
By 2057, the entire fleet of vehicles of the Abu Dhabi Police would be converted from fossil fuel-run to sustainable hydrogen-run vehicles.
Captain Mohammad Jasem Al Hosani from Abu Dhabi Police’s innovation and foresight department said, “The battery-operated driverless police ambulance can carry two persons — a paramedic and the injured person. It will also send all health conditions of the injured person to the hospital [during the journey].”
The drone ambulance can update the hospital about the condition of the injured person.
The autopilot electric car, propelled by batteries, will serve the public during emergencies and motorists will be able to request these services via the Abu Dhabi Police app.
The automated police car may be launched on Abu Dhabi roads by 2020, said Captain Al Hosani.
Run-up to 2057
All Abu Dhabi Police vehicles will be converted to hydrogen-run vehicles.
5 hydrogen-propelled cars will be introduced in 2018.
Self-automated police car to hit Abu Dhabi roads by 2020.
Space Science Lab of police will be built.
10% of police will wear uniforms with internet capabilities.
Launch of the smart vehicle number plate.
25% of Abu Dhabi jails will be converted into innovation centres.
50% of police buildings will generate electricity.
Rehab centres will be converted into power generation centres.
10% of police vehicles will be driverless.
50% of the Abu Dhabi Police budget will be self-financed.
