The Department of Transportation Security — formally announced on Monday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai police — will handle security measures on the Gulf’s first light-rail system.
The agreement authorised the police to impose discipline, receive complaints, conduct investigations, control, arrest, inspect and prevent crime on the metro system.
Dubai Police Chief Lt. Gen. Dahi Khalfan Tamim said: “Police will accompany people on their metro journey as CID officers will patrol the metro’s different lines.”
“RTA is going to offer the logistical support and Dubai police will cover safety and security measures.”
He added that Dubai Police will intervene in crimes such as theft, lost items, harassment, violation of rules – the same way different metros worldwide are secured.
“Moreover, Dubai police with the help of RTA and Civil Defence, will tackle evacuation measures in time of big accidents or under dangerous conditions.”
However, Tamim believed: “We don’t expect a high rate of such crimes, especially in Dubai.”
Different from any other means of transportation, metro security measures will be more sophisticated, he said.
There will be two main police stations in the main metro stations — one in Burjuman and the other at the Union Square. One police officer will be deployed at each of the metro Red Line’s 29 stations. There will be 48 stations in total when the Green Line opens in March of next year.
Tamim added: “3,000 cameras inside and outside the Metro will be connected to the control room at the Department of Transportation Security.”
“We hired 668 police personnel to handle the safety and security measures for the Metro passengers — policewomen would be among the new candidates.”
More than 200 of the new police personnel have graduated from Dubai Police Academy and were enrolled in an intensive training on the security techniques with the RTA.
The second and third groups will be trained from July to be ready by the time the Metro rolls out it Red Line service on September 9, 2009.
“The Metro will not be only a means for transporting people but is a tourism project and a source of pleasure and amusement for many people,” Tamim said.
“All Dubai residents, visitor and even Emiratis will enjoy the Metro trip as they can do sightseeing around Dubai through an elevated journey.”
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA, said: “In the last two years, we have received great support from Dubai police to achieve the huge Metro project.”
Without security, the project can’t succeed, he said.
“Although we are giving the logistical support, Dubai police will be an important part,”
Al Tayer said. “RTA supervisors will be spotted everywhere inside and outside the metro. They will be granted authority to control, arrest any suspect until police arrive at the scene. We will work hand in hand with Dubai police as any international security standard for the metro system worldwide.
Police will patrol the metro’s five-car train sets, including the Gold Car, a special car for female and children.
Al Tayer said that there would be strict penalties for passengers who violate the metro terms and conditions to be announced later.
Once again, Al Tayer declined to answer reporter queries about the price of a Dubai Metro fare ticket, saying that it will be “affordable” to all.
