UAE residents have recently completed training and will soon be a common sight on the streets as first responders, traffic watchers and helpers at major public events. The We Are All Police drive has seen a huge response from the public since its launch in September, with another 5,000 applicants to be processed. The members are given badges and high-visibility jackets.
Humaid Al Kalbani, from the We Are All Police division, said men and women of any nationality could apply to join, as long as they were over 18 and had a valid residency visa. Recruits receive five 30-minute workshops after which they graduate.
"The training is not physical, it is lectures to educate members about how to deal with different situations - manage traffic, make reports and differentiate right from wrong," Mr Al Kalbani said. "All these skills will be taught in the training workshops."
"Members can take pictures of anything they would like to report and send it through the app. Likewise, if we have a big event and need volunteers, we will contact them through the app. Once a member, We are All Police officers can direct traffic if a signal stops working, have the authority to stop a fight and talk to the people involved or report incidents through the app if they need assistance. Abu Dhabi Police will receive the report and location and act accordingly."
Gerald Baudrillard, 46, a podiatrist from France, is among the first batch of graduates and is keen to make the roads a safer place. Residents can sign up for the initiative at weareallpolice.ae.