The capital city of the UAE aims to become the world’s best city in terms of personal safety, infrastructure and health stability and digital security, where security-conscious members of the community can look after each other, a senior official said on Wednesday.
Major General Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police and member of the Executive Council, said Abu Dhabi was inspired by the experience of Tokyo — the world’s safest city last year.
Of the 50 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit list, the top three were in Asia, with Singapore and the Japanese city of Osaka coming second and third, respectively, after Tokyo, which managed to solve 80 per cent of its crimes in one year by means of community policing.
Major General Al Rumaithi was speaking as Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, launched ‘We Are All Police’ — a community policing initiative that brings policemen and civilians together in a shared goal to preserve a high level of social conduct and self-responsibility.
The scheme, he said, is designed to instill the security culture in the population of Abu Dhabi comprising more than 200 nationalities and growing by 7.3 per cent annually.
“It will also educate more than 375,000 students in 21 government and private schools about the security concept,” he said.
This new initiative will further enhance security and safety in the emirate by enabling members of the public to provide a positive presence in their neighbourhood.
Applicants from all backgrounds and nationalities living in Abu Dhabi will receive training and be incorporated into community police to deliver visible, invaluable support to Abu Dhabi Police working in and around communities to identify and solve a variety of challenges on a daily basis.
Maj Gen Al Rumaithi said the community police officers will provide a vital link between front-line police officers and the general public and will experience a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
“Abu Dhabi Police are committed to deepening its role further throughout the emirate by adding another dimension to enhance community confidence, security and communication.”
“The initiative will reaffirm some of the UAE’s traditional family and neighbourhood values of compassion, cooperation and cohesion, with dedicated individuals committed to the needs of specific residential areas,” Maj Gen Al Rumaithi said.
Abu Dhabi Police were formed in 1957 with 80 police officers. “Today, the police force has grown to more than 34,000 officers in 26 stations across the emirate — about one officer for every 81 people. By 2021, the aim is to have more than 47,500 officers and community officers or one officer for every 58 people,” he said.
The honorary membership of the community police has been granted to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; and Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.
The Abu Dhabi Police are primarily responsible for enforcing law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout the emirate.
They work closely with local, national and international agencies to contribute to global peace and stability.
Membership is open for citizens and residents of all nationalities, who can sign up online at www.weareallpolice.ae or
Call hotline number 800 1000.