ABU DHABI, Mar 19 — Major General Khamis Matar Al Mazeina, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, has announced that there will be changes made to Dubai’s crime prevention and monitoring systems, with more flexible and positive mechanisms to be placed in order to decrease the crime rate.
He made the comments in an interview with the Ministry of Interior’s 999 Magazine, outlining plans to enhance the emirate’s security profile. “Our new strategy will be based on the government’s strategy in general, and according to the national agenda that was announced by Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,” Al Mazeina said in the interview with 999.
He revealed that the strategy includes steps to enhance the speed of response to reported crimes, not just at Dubai Police’s level, but in all police departments across the country. “This year’s budget includes an increase in the number of security cameras installed across the streets and popular places in the emirate. There will also be an increase in the number of speed radar devices installed in Dubai,” Al Mazeina said.
Countering the prevalent misconceptions that speed radars are meant to earn money, Al Mazeina clarified that their sole purpose is to enhance the safety and security of road users, some of whom are harassed by over-speeding drivers. “This increase in the number of speed-radar is not a money-making exercise, but it is for safer roads through reduction in speeding and, consequently, reducing traffic fatalities. I challenge anyone who adheres to the speed limit and still gets fined by the radar. Radars have been installed to catch violators,” he said.
“Our strategic plan will focus on the provision of advanced services in line with the evolving needs of the UAE’s population, in terms of the quality of service and in the way they are delivered. The plan also concentrates on exploring new technological developments as well as achieving excellence in delivering e-services,” Al Mazeina explained.
Maintaining that technology holds a special significance in police work, he highlighted that Dubai Police will be unveiling more smart initiatives soon in addition to the initiatives that have already been launched through Dubai Police apps.
Talking about Dubai Police’s new projects this year, Al Mazeina revealed that a new police station is being established near the Al Maktoum Airport in Jebel Ali, besides the opening of the new Jebel Ali Police Station, the Al Barsha Police Station, and reconstruction plan of some police stations, including Bur Dubai Police Station. In addition, Dubai Police is building a new nursery for the children of the inmates. Work is also underway on the state-of-the-art forensic laboratory, which will be an architectural masterpiece not just in the country, but globally, he said.
The March edition of the 999 magazine includes an in-depth interview with the new Dubai Police chief. —Wam
