A history of service and security

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi police were formed in 1957 by the late Shaikh Shakbut Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The force of 80 officers were tasked with guarding royal locations, markets, banks and shipping. Within two years, the number of officers doubled and an operational base was established to the north of Al Hosn Palace.

"In 1971 Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan established the Ministry of Interior [MOI] and the police became the local MOI of Abu Dhabi Emirate, responsible for establishing security and stability and providing security to people and property, " said Major General Khalil Badran, Director of Finance and Services of Abu Dhabi Police.

"It was also directly in charge of naturalisation and passport matters, prison affairs, traffic affairs, guarding of oil installations, liaison with Arab and international police directorates, fighting smuggling and illegal entry of people, drugs and all forbidden substances and prevention of crime," he added.

Integrity and honesty

"Integrity, honesty and respect for human rights were the core values of the Abu Dhabi Police while maintaining public service as a central pillar in their thinking," Major General Badran said.

Under the command of Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the 12,600 men and women of the force are primarily responsible for enforcing criminal law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout the emirate. While resolute in the quest for a safe society free of crime, Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif believed a direct role exists for the police beyond traditional policing and in contributing to the harmonious integration of human society, without the sense of fear.

"The police participate in matters of social and economic welfare, support equality, promote cultural understanding and unity as well as advocate a non-violent lifestyle which also entails facilitating a relationship between any people characterised by respect, justice and goodwill," Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif said in an earlier statement.

"Although fast reaction to crime is necessary, it is insufficient to meet the needs of society for serenity. Improved strategies have been implemented for longer term, pro-active, preventive and community-oriented measures that target not only crime but also the conditions that contribute to crime," said Major General Badran.

The effectiveness and efficiency of the police increases through the proper use of state-of-the-art security technologies in communications, information, control, monitoring, rapid intervention and emergencies.

"Technology helps the police make roads safer by monitoring speeds and intersections through a network of cameras and radars. The finger-printing system detects suspects and wanted individuals; networking immigration desks at entry points with naturalisation services denies entry of high risk individuals; and, the spread of mobile and wireless communication devices allows more effective prevention and response to emergencies," he added.

Use of technology

Major General Badran said that establishing the "iris scan" project, for example, has succeeded in preventing more than 114,000 persons from returning to the UAE since the project was implemented nationwide.

The MOI also became a member of the Virtual Global Taskforce (March 2010) for the Protection of Children.

Under the leadership of Major General Nasser Al Nuiami, this department has the responsibility of establishing a Child Protection Centre, monitoring child exploitation on the internet, controlling abuse through public networks, raising awareness and developing and strengthening the role of the family.

"By incorporating the best of the old with the best of the new, Abu Dhabi police has achieved the flexibility, adaptability and durability required to be widely regarded as one of the world's leading law enforcement agencies," said Major General Badran.

In the early stages, Abu Dhabi police made education and scientific qualifications a prerequisite for selection and admission of the police recruits. The police college was established by the late Shaikh Zayed in 1985. The law initially stipulated that the duration of study and training in the College would be two years, after which the student would receive a Diploma in Policing Sciences.

Field training

In 1992 Federal Law No (5) was issued changing the duration of study to four years. The study programme included practical and field training. After successful completion of the programme students are awarded a Bachelor's Degree in Law and Policing Sciences.