Dubai prison no bar for motherly duties

Dubai: Allowing women detainees to take custody of their children under two years of age while they're serving their jail sentences is one of the unique privileges afforded to Dubai Prison inmates, a top police official said.

During an inspection visit to the Al Aweer Women's Jail, Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina, Deputy Chief of Dubai Police, said the Dubai Police is the first security body to allow women detainees to enjoy such a privilege.

There is also no time limit imposed on breastfeeding and babysitting. Al Mazeina's visit is part of the police department's yearly inspection programme.

Al Mazeina was accompanied by Major General Mohammad Humaid Al Suwaidi, Director-General, Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments at Dubai Police, and other senior officers

Reintegration

The police official also held a dialogue with the inmates where their issues and needs were discussed.

Al Mazeina stressed that while punitive establishments are meant to enforce the law and punish those who violate it, these institutions are also considered reformative establishments where prisoners can learn how to become good citizens as they prepare to get reintegrated into their community after serving their sentences.

The inspection tour started at the handicraft sections, nursery, clinic and wards, where Al Mazeina was informed by Major Suad Yousuf, Administrative Director of the women's prison, about the prison's strategy, which is derived from the general strategy of Dubai Police.

He was also briefed about the prison's rehabilitation and training plan.