'I've been teaching technology in policing for years in theory — but here in Dubai, it's different'
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ecwatu Daniel Elly from the Uganda Police Force has been profoundly impacted by the advanced policing techniques and technological innovations observed during his participation in the Police Innovation and Leadership (PIL) Diploma in Dubai.
Organised by Dubai Police in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology, the programme aims to showcase the future of policing through innovation and leadership. Daniel, who has spent nearly a decade teaching technology in law enforcement, was drawn to the program to gain insights into the transformative potential of innovative technologies in enhancing public safety.
The PIL Diploma provided Daniel with a unique opportunity to witness cutting-edge technology in action, something he found both enlightening and inspiring. "The PIL Diploma opened my eyes to a whole new world. I've been teaching technology in policing for years in theory—but here in Dubai, it's different.
"From AI-powered traffic management to blockchain technology and smart policing solutions, I saw things I never imagined I'd witness being implemented in real-time," Daniel reflected. His experience in Dubai starkly contrasted with the manual traffic management methods employed in Uganda, highlighting the benefits of AI systems, drones, and smart cameras in automating traffic control and improving efficiency.
One of the most striking aspects of Dubai Police's approach, according to Daniel, is the integration of technology into everyday police operations. He was particularly impressed by the Smart Police Stations (SPS), which allow the public to report cases, file complaints, and access services independently, without direct officer involvement. This concept, novel to Daniel, demonstrated the potential of technology to foster public trust and streamline police services.
"In Uganda, we rely heavily on community policing, but the concept of self-service police stations is new to us," he stated. "Seeing how effectively it works here proves that technology can build public trust and significantly improve efficiency."
The PIL Diploma also facilitated a global exchange of ideas, with officers from 39 countries participating. This environment of cross-cultural learning and collaboration was eye-opening for Daniel, who found value in the diverse perspectives and strategies shared among participants.
"What amazed me was hearing even European officers express surprise at Dubai's model," he noted. "This proves that regardless of how advanced a country may be, there's always something new to learn from others." Moreover, the programme's emphasis on physical and mental wellness resonated with Daniel, who led the wellness team in activities designed to bolster resilience among officers.
As Daniel prepares to bring his newfound knowledge back to Uganda, he is enthusiastic about the potential benefits of implementing similar technological innovations and community engagement strategies. His Master's research on digital evidence management will be directly enriched by his exposure to blockchain, AI, and forensic advancements seen in Dubai. "If Uganda implements even a portion of these innovations, it could revolutionise our investigation and crime-fighting capabilities," he believes.
Daniel's experience in Dubai has left him with a profound appreciation for the role of technology and community engagement in modern policing. He lauded Dubai Police for their exceptional organisation of the diploma, stating, "This diploma has been organised brilliantly—from the training sessions to the logistics. This experience has changed the way I view policing forever. The future of law enforcement is already here in Dubai, and I'm proud to have been a part of it."
As he returns to Uganda, ASP Ecwatu Daniel Elly embodies the spirit of a new generation of police leaders dedicated to leveraging innovation and global insights to enhance community safety and trust.
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