ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, May 6th 2014 [ME NewsWire]

Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior announced the launch of a new initiative to promote child safety and protection across school transportation system, in cooperation with a number of local and federal entities. The initiative falls under the directives of General HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The initiative aims to guarantee child safety on board school buses by monitoring the location, route and stops of each and every school bus, as well as audio and video recording of surveillance material, including students boarding and exiting the buses, in addition to instant and regular reports that shall be directly sent to the police operations room. As part of the initiative, additional regulations and conditions shall be set forth, to guarantee safe transport of school children, and includes all four components of the transportation system: vehicles, drivers, infrastructure and education and awareness. His Highness Sheikh Saif said that the initiative will be initially implemented across Abu Dhabi, and will later cover the rest of the country.

The announcement was made by His Highness Sheikh Saif at the 13th session of the Federal National Council (FNC), which was held this morning. Sheikh Saif was accompanied by Major General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of the Interior for Naturalization, Residency and Ports Affairs and Major General Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police. Also attending were general directors from the Ministry of Interior (MoI); 70 officers from the first and mid-level leadership courses; and 60 candidates from different batches of recruits at the Police College.

Sheikh Saif also revealed the launch of the Smart Towers project to deal with foggy weather using a network of electronic signs and fog sensors that detect fog conditions and road visibility automatically. This system checks roads for any accidents, traffic jams or any other problems and is linked directly to satellites and to the operations room at the Smart Traffic Systems Center, which in turn, will define the appropriate speed limits according to weather conditions through advanced programs and systems. Messages will be transmitted via the large electronic screens set up on external roads to alert motorists. The center will also send warning signs and guiding messages via social media and smartphones.

Sheikh Saif explained: “We have taken these measures in the wake of the serious traffic accidents that occurred on external roads as a result of foggy conditions. They reflect the keenness of the government to provide distinguished services on the roads and guarantee protection, security and safety of all roads users.”

FNC members lauded the role played by the Ministry of Interior in promoting safety and security for all community members, and  praised the great efforts exerted by the different MoI entities. They also expressed their appreciation for the presence of His Highness Sheikh Saif at the session; a step that reflects the keenness of Sheikh Saif to communicate with FNC members for the service of the homeland and its people.

FNC members also commended the national ambulance project and the community police; highlighting the positive results achieved by the MoI in the service of society.

After that, attendees reviewed the key achievements made by the MoI as part of its 2011-2013 strategy. The achievements include the following:

Building on the development and modernization process, which was started by the Ministry of Interior two strategic sessions ago, the ministry launched its 2014-2016 strategy, which falls in line with the UAE Vision 2021.

The strategic approach undertaken by the ministry reflects its vision to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world in terms of safety and security. It also reflects its mission that focuses on efficient work in order to promote quality of life across the UAE society, by delivering services related to security, traffic, reform and residency issues, in addition to protecting lives and property, while upholding at the same time the values of justice, team work, good behavior, integrity, loyalty and social responsibility.

The strategic goals of the MoI include promoting security, safety and road security. They also aim to achieve the highest levels of civil defense services; ensure full readiness in times of crises and disasters; enhancing the public trust in the efficiency of the MoI services; the optimal use of security information; and delivering administrative services according to quality, efficiency and transparency standards.

Reports indicate that the number of initiatives and indicators that are part of the Ministry of Interior’s strategy for 2011-2013 amounted to 252 initiatives and 26 strategic indicators. They were achieved by the ministry’s various sectors, namely; the police GHQs; the naturalization, residency and ports Affairs; civil defense; punitive and correctional establishments; traffic coordination and human resources; electronic services and communication; finance and support services; and other sectors.

Regarding the achievements made by the ministry within its 2011-2013 strategy, with respect  to measuring the public’s satisfaction of the levels of safety and security; the target for 2011 was 85.0%, the actual result attained was 91.6%;  the target for 2012 was 92.0%, and was similar to the attained result. In 2013, the target was 93.0%, the actual result attained was 94.5%. These figures were provided according to surveys carried out by the ministry through the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research as a neutral party.

Infographic 1

The surveys carried out by the Ministry of Interior about the alarming crime rates per 100,000 citizens indicate that the target goal was to reduce the number of these crimes to 120 crimes per 100,000 citizens. The actual number that was achieved in 2013 was 110.23; an indication of the significant decrease that was achieved according to accurate records. In 2012, the targeted objective was set at 125 crimes per 100,000 citizens; the actual rate achieved was 118.6 cases. In 2011 the goal was set at 115 crimes per 100,000 citizens; the actual rate achieved was 119.8 crimes per 100,000 citizens.

With respect to customer satisfaction with the different services provided by the MoI, surveys indicate an increase in customer satisfaction rates from the target rate of 90.0% to an actual 91.4% in 2013. In 2012, the target rate was 90.8% and the actual rate achieved was 90.0%. In 2011, the target rate was 89.0%, while the actual rate achieved was 90.3%. The UAE Police achieved 90% customer satisfaction with the services provided to them; which allowed the UAE Police to rank first in this regard, followed by the Australian Federal Police that achieved 86% customer satisfaction, and Metropolitan Police that achieved 74% in 2012.

Infographic2

As for partners’ satisfaction, surveys show an increase in partners’ satisfaction rates from the target rate of 93.4% to an actual 95.7% in 2013. In 2012, partners’ satisfaction rates increased from 93.4% to 94.4%; while in 2011, rates increased from 93.0% to 94.8%.

The significant increase in customer satisfaction rates is the result of the Police leadership’s commitment and attention to developing performance and providing the latest modern equipment and advanced technologies; in addition to facilitating police procedures and services to keep pace with the geographical expansion, the increase in security missions, and the need to maintain security, stability, and national gains that has been achieved in the UAE.

It is worth mentioning that according to the latest official study conducted by the Council of Ministers in 2012, the MoI provides 339 services, which is the equivalent of 25% of the Federal Government services.

In the Traffic Field

The Ministry of Interior, represented by the Police General Headquarters and Traffic and Patrols Directorates across the UAE, is exerting unwavering and enormous efforts to enhance traffic safety levels by adopting a well-thought traffic strategy. This strategy includes: controlling roads; carrying out traffic awareness and education campaigns; road engineering and vehicle safety plans; developing ambulance and rescue services; fostering partnership with the competent authorities; and conducting traffic-oriented studies and researches.

According to statistics issued by the Traffic Coordination Department at the Ministry of Interior, traffic accidents, fatalities, and injuries have witnessed a significant decrease in 2008-2013. Traffic-related deaths have dropped by 40%; traffic accidents have decreased by 47%, and traffic-related injuries have dropped by 32%. These results have been achieved regardless of the 37% increase in the numbers of vehicles registered, and the 72% increase in driving licenses issued during the same period.

Infographic 3

Statistics show a significant decrease in traffic-related deaths rates per 100,000 citizens in 2011-2013. Traffic-related deaths decreased from the targeted rate of 9 deaths per 100,000 citizens to 8.19 in 2011. In 2012 the target rate was 7.5 deaths per 100,000 citizens, while the actual rate attained was 6.5 deaths per 100,000 citizens. In 2013, the actual rate attained was similar to the target rate of 6.5 deaths per 100,000 citizens.

Infographic 4

As for heavy vehicles traffic violations that have been issued between 2011 and 2013, the number increased significantly as a result of the heightened traffic control, complemented with the implementation of a set of regulations to ensure safety. Violations issued against heavy vehicles amounted to 90,422 violations in 2011; 95,449 violations in 2012 and 119,561 violations in 2013.

With respect to causes of fatalities on roads, statistics indicate that sudden swerving is the main cause of deaths with 15.95 % of the total deaths rate, followed by neglect and lack of attention with 13.04 %, failure to leave sufficient safe distance between vehicles with 11.76 %. Misjudgment of road users ranks fourth with 9.32 % followed by failure to comply with lane rules with 8.05% of the total fatalities. Entering the road before making sure the path is clear with 7.94 %, failure to stop at the red light signal with 6.22%, and excessive speeding with 5.77% of the total deaths that occurred in the country.

The overall satisfaction rate with traffic services provided for the public amounted to 85 % in 2013, while the satisfaction rate with services provided by the traffic and patrols departments amounted to 85.3%; by the licensing departments 87.2%. 450 traffic awareness campaigns were carried out across the country; with 3, 500,000 individuals participating in these initiatives through social media websites. 3,500 field visits were carried out to various schools, universities and businesses, while the number of individuals that have benefited from rehabilitation programs for traffic law violators was 2,685 individuals.

Traffic and Patrols Directorates across the state carried out a number of initiatives to achieve safety on roads. These initiatives include unifying speed limit on external roads, including Mohamed ben Zayed Road; enhancing safety levels through vital intersections; preparing the annual safety inspection project on federal roads in cooperation with partners; and deploying modern traffic systems and techniques.

The Traffic and Patrols Directorates also implemented a number of modern regulations to ensure vehicles’ safety, such as  assigning trusted entities with technical inspections of light vehicles (ADNOC and Emirates Petroleum); implementing  safety requirements  on board school buses (fitting school buses with CCTV cameras); ensuring  side and back safety underride guards’ standards for trucks and trailers; preparing a safety requirement list for  vehicles' tires; implementing the temporary permits system for truck drivers and safety requirements for  small buses (14 passengers and less); and increasing penalties on heavy vehicles' drivers in the case of dangerous violations.

Many traffic services were provided to the public with a view to streamline procedures and ensure the speedy completion of customers’ transactions.  to this end, the federal and traffic licensing system was implemented at the countrywide level, providing 77 services; implementing the one counter system to complete traffic-related services; linking insurance companies with the federal traffic and licensing system; reengineering procedures as well as unifying standards,, systems and procedures of vehicles licensing and renewal and unifying driving licenses and vehicles' ownerships models across the country.

Ambulance and Rescue

With respect to developing ambulance and rescue services, 30 new ambulance stations were provided in addition to 2 rescue and ambulance aircrafts. The Emergency Medicine Academy was also established in cooperation with US Harvard University.

The major achievements in the area of ambulance and rescue include: a specialized operations room; recruiting trained and skilled rescue personnel; equipping ambulances based on the highest standards; preparing a medical guidebook; and linking hospitals electronically.

The number of reports received by the Ambulance and Rescue Services amounted to 1,233 reports monthly and 14,796 annually. The current number is 2,317 monthly reports and 28,440 annual reports. The average response time is currently 17 minutes.

Work has already begun at the Emergency Medicine Academy with service Emiratisation and the implementation of the finest practices. National students will be received as of this upcoming October. The number of students includes 80 students per batch and 60 students for continuous medical education courses.

Infographic 6

The Community Police

The Community Police is a police department that represents a modern method in police work based on a new approach in dealing with the needs and problems of the local community. This is achieved with the participation of citizens, residents and the police’s partners; in order to face, control, and prevent crimes; eliminate all causes of concern and gain community members’ confidence and satisfaction.

The Community Police aims at enhancing confidence between society members and the police; fostering  strong relations with community  members; improving police services provided to society members; developing a spirit of partnership and responsibility between community members and the police; maintaining social security and solving the society’s problems; spreading security education and social awareness in society; reducing crime rates and preventing crime with the participation and cooperation of all society members, and creating a secure environment in residential neighborhoods.

It is worth mentioning that the Community Police’s progress has developed since the experiment was launched in 2003 at Bani Yas Police Station and Al Madinah Police Station in Al Ain. Following this success, the concept was popularized across the emirate of Abu Dhabi in 2005. In 2008, the Community Police Department at Abu Dhabi Police GHQ was established and in 2009, the United Nations recognized the experience as a role model to be emulated. The decision was issued in 2011 to establish the Community Police and Social Support departments across all police general headquarters at the countrywide level.

The Community Police has exerted considerable efforts in order to gain society’s confidence and has succeeded in doing so, achieving a 91.80% satisfaction rate in 2011. This rate dropped slightly in 2012, with 91.50% then increased as a result of the successes achieved in solving a number of problems, to 93.60% in 2013. With regard to commitment towards the community, the Community Police achieved a satisfaction rate of 85.1% in 2011; 86.5% in 2012 and 89.6% in 2013. The number of problems that have been solved by the Community Police was 303 problems in 2011, 611 problems in 2012 and 718 problems in 2013.

The overall satisfaction rate achieved by the Community Police was 90.6% in 2011 and increased to 90.7% in 2012. The rate increased significantly in 2013 to 92.4%. The number of community-based, humanitarian, social, and sports initiatives that were carried out by the Community Police increased significantly during the period from 2011 to 2013; the number of humanitarian initiatives in 2011 amounted to 169 initiatives; 207 initiatives in 2012 and 266 humanitarian initiatives in 2013. The number of social initiatives in 2011 amounted to 337 initiatives, 432 initiatives in 2012 and 565 initiatives in 2013. The sports initiatives amounted to 222 in 2011 and increased to 285 in 2012 and 373 initiatives in 2013.

As for the sense of security and safety, the rate amounted to 92% in 2011; a similar rate was attained in 2012 and increased to 95% in 2013. This is due to the significant efforts exerted by all police entities in order to maintain security and stability among all society members, whereas the Community Police is working towards achieving a future vision which is based on responding to the ongoing changes in the society’s structure in terms of the number of communities and cultures. This is achieved by developing a special model for the Community police (response) and applying a communication mechanism within the police stations’ areas of jurisdiction in order to provide comprehensive communication channels with partners and the local community (partnerships).

(Infographic 7)

Draft law on the security of facilities and sports events

The draft law aims at enhancing the UAE’s position as an international sports hub by providing the security of all sports facilities and events; upgrading the standards of safety and security of buildings and sports facilities; ensuring security coordination among sports facilities, the police and private security companies; as well as establishing rules for protecting sports audiences and improving their behavior.

According to the statistics, the number of sports events that have been organized at the countrywide level amounted to 2,116 events at 31 stadiums across the UAE. The number of individuals who provided security for these events was 24,044 individuals’ people in 2013.

(Infographic 8)

For more information about:

The Ministry of Interior, please click HERE

Abu Dhabi Police, please click HERE

Follow us and check our Social Media feeds on: YouTube, Facebook and Twitter

The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department
Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media
Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317
E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com

Permalink: http://me-newswire.net/news/10900/en