ABU DHABI // Police in the emirate launched a free mobile app on Wednesday that provides residents with access to 35 police services.
The Abu Dhabi Police Services application allows users access to common police services, such as paying traffic fines, renewing car registration and driving licences, viewing traffic fines and scheduling a driving test – but it also includes options such as paying for Mawaqif parking, monitoring your speed and sending a message to someone blocking your car.
Previously, the only app offering police services was the Ministry of Interior’s application MOI UAE, which also includes civil defence, citizenship and residency services.
Maj Gen Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, commander-in-chief of Abu Dhabi Police, launched the application and website during a ceremony at the AD Police Department’s Complex on Wednesday.
He said the latest services were a part of AD Police’s goal to provide the community with innovative and unconventional police services.
“Abu Dhabi Police ensures the ongoing security and safety of the community by providing high-quality police services for Emiratis, expatriates and visitors in the emirate,” he said.
The final version of the app was developed after a trial period and survey conducted by ADP.
“We asked people what they liked and what they would wish to see developed in the ADP smart application,” said Major Mohammed Al Obaidli, of ADP’s IT department.
Following the trial period in which 20,000 users downloaded the app, the survey indicated users were satisfied with 85 per cent of the services.
Working in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre, ADP used the feedback from the survey and service centres to come up with an app divided into three sections – police services, services for ADP staff and innovative services.
“We received suggestions from students and from the public, and selected some of the most creative and innovative apps to develop,” said Major Al Obaidli.
One example is the Vehicle Blocking Report service, where drivers can send anonymous messages to operators of vehicles blocking their car or parked in their spot by entering their licence plate number in the app.
Mr Al Obaidli said two further apps were still under testing, with a further seven in the works in the police services segment.
The ceremony, which was attended by Maj Gen Maktoum Ali Al Sharifi, director general of Abu Dhabi Police, and heads of various Abu Dhabi departments, also saw the launch of the revamped ADP website.
The app is now available on both Android and iOS platforms.
talsubaihi@thenational.ae
