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Now 1000 Community Police to make Abu Dhabi safer

Abu Dhabi - The new graduates were felicitated and given special badges and jackets during a ceremony

A thousand residents have completed training and have been put on the mantle of community police in Abu Dhabi.
The new graduates from different nationalities, including emiratis, will work alongside Abu Dhabi Police to make the Capital city safer.
Indian expat Biju Vidyadharan, 33 told Khaleej Times he is looking forward to do his bit to improve safety of residents. 
"I am proud to be part of this initiative that will make my community safer and crime-free," said Vidyadharan, who works for a vernacular media publication from India.
He noted that he was part of the police force in Kerala, India, and wanted to use his previous background to serve the UAE.
The new graduates were felicitated and given special badges and jackets during a ceremony held on Monday, February 27 at the Armed Officers Club.
The residents who enrolled as Community Police had to complete six separate training sessions - each lasting 30 minutes. 
They were trained to take pictures and report on crimes, keep an eye on suspicious activities, control traffic if there are accidents, initiate crowd controlling measures during events.
App to build safer communities
Community sherifs were also trained to use the 'We are all Police' app and report all unlawful activities.
Vidyadharan highlighted that being part of the Community Police has already allowed him to help out with social issues.
"I recently came across a Facebook page, which had violent and abusive language between the members. I immediately took a screenshot and sent it to the app. The page was taken down the following day."
Thomas K.V, 47, a safety officer, who is also part of the Community Police, said he is certain the training he received will help him improve social welfare. 
"If we witness anything dangerous or illegal, like traffic violations or street fights, we can take pictures and send it through the app, along with the location, in which the police will be able to quickly intervene."
The Community Police initiative was launched in September 2016 by Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police. 
The top cop said it was imperative to engage all segments of society in law enforcement and allow residents of all nationalities and backgrounds to be given the opportunity to become the new sheriffs in town.
Overwhelming response
The scheme received an overwhelming response, with as many as 5665 residents applying to join.
The participation criteria included a minimum age of 18 years, no criminal record, an approval from Abu Dhabi Police, as well as maintaining the confidentiality of information given.
First-Lieutenant Engineer, Ali H. Al Madfaei, who works as a chemical, biological, radiological nuclear officer for Abu Dhabi Police, said the initiative would certainly help strengthen the trust between authorities and the society.
"By the inclusion of the general public in matters pertaining to their safety and security, we reinforce the belief that this responsibility is shared by all," said Al Madfaei.
He added that residents hold much more power than they would imagine when it comes to solving crime. 
"In many situations, the awareness and vigilance of the public proved to be an indispensable asset to the authorities for crime solving and information gathering."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com