Criminology and criminal justice in The United Arab Emirates - Essay Example

Criminology and Criminal Justice in United Arab Emirates Introduction United Arab Emirates is also known as the Emirates or the UAE located in the southeast of Arabian peninsula composed of seven federations namely Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Fujairah, and Ras al-Khaiman. UAE has been established in December 2, 1971 with Abu Dhabi as the capital owing to its industrial and cultural activities. Their official language is Arabic and their official religion is slam. Economic wise, UAE is considered to have a strong high income with a GDP of $ 47,407. UAE based their political system on the 1971 constitution however each ruler of each federation retain an absolute power in their own emirate. Interestingly, the seven emirs vote for a president of the seven federations to be their leader however this does not affect the governance of each emir. To learn more of UAE, the policing and justice system is discussed including related information. Body Policing in the UAE The public security of UAE is headed by the Ministry of Interior who has the overall responsibility for law, public security, and order. The national police who are under the Ministry of Interior are responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crimes committed. UAE also has a semiautonomous body referred to as the National Guards with duties to guard the border, utilities in the oil field and other strategic locations. They also act as reserve in cases the metropolitan police force is in need of reinforcement from them. Abu Dhabi and Dubai police are the leading police forces in the UAE with their quality services. Abu Dhabi police department is honored to have maintained the shining image of the country with the dedication, honesty, and integrity of the policemen. Dubai policemen also pride themselves of preventing crimes before it occurs, bringing justice, maintaining security and order, and honoring and protecting lives with their mission in making Dubai the best in such services around the world. UAE has several police divisions to include traffic, criminal investigation, emergency police, nationality and passport, civil defense, immigration, prison, trials and court-martials with their own functions and responsibilities. The traffic division is responsible for apprehending individuals violating the traffic rules such as speeding in an effort to make the road safe for all motorists. This was reiterated in one of the news reports (p. 1) in which it explained that policemen in Dubai will slap violators with stiff penalties. The crime investigation is the leader in security works in responding to heinous crimes like murder, robbery, and rape among others and also to ordinary crimes of quarrels, defamation and the likes. They also extend their responsibilities in social services and in investigation of scientific evidences used in crimes. Accidents, force majeure, petty crimes, and illnesses are the responsibility of the emergency department. Individuals who wish to access their service may call for their round the clock hotline. People who wish to have passport may go to the national and passport division for their application. Similar with other countries, the UAE’s civil defense focuses on disaster preparedness in any form. Rescue during calamities, restoration of stricken establishments, fire prevention, cooperation with other government agencies, and trainings are all included responsibilities of policemen in this division. Police women may work in the departments of criminal investigation, airport security, and inquiries while most policemen are assigned in other departments. To become a police officer in UAE, one must pass the educational requirement and background check. Initially, a two year study and training in a police college is required by the law to receive a diploma in policing sciences before one could be recruited as a police officer. However, the two year program has changed to four years to include practical and field training to earn a bachelors’ degree in law and policing science. Other federations offer a three year program at the police academy before selection for an officer rank while National guards may attend the Kuwaiti Military College for specialized training. Most federation adopt the police organizational set up of Abu Dhabi however not exactly the same. The highest in command is the Commander General or the Chief of police in which the Deputy Chief is directly under him with the different deputies. The Commander General has other departments to look into which include renting department, community service, strategic and performance management department, security information, and qualifying and employing department. Although, policemen are responsible for crimes, they also have the accountability to uphold the law at all times not to apply any form of torture to the suspects, witnesses or others involved in the investigation and commission of the crime. This is exemplified in the study by Al Shaadi and Kibble (p. 1) where they explained that police officers are not allowed to employ force to others since this is in violation of the penal code particularly article 242. Any policeman found abusing his power and authority will be sanctioned for temporary imprisonment. Justice system The justice system of UAE is a bit sophisticated which is based on the combination of Shariah laws and the current legal codes exercising uniform due process. However, Shariah courts are subject for review in the federal supreme courts. Crimes are tried and prosecuted in courts with Supreme Court as the highest assigned with five judges independent in their legislative and executive functions. Military cases are handled in the military tribunals following the western military procedures. Dubai and Ras-al-Khaimah federation function independently allowing multiple appeals. Verdicts for capital punishment could also be appealed to the president. There are no jury trials. Individuals accused for capital cases and cases with life imprisonment have the right for counsel appointed by the court. Misdemeanor cases are given the option to have or not to have legal counsel. Convicted individuals may serve a term of more than three years. Bail is applicable in all cases. UAE has been a top notch performance ranking first in the Middle East and 6th around the globe. This is in particular of Abu Dhabi’s police performance. The civil court system is found effective however people have a difficulty accessing their service. The legal system is also limited with government powers thus it operates independently. Likewise, the public is secured owing to enforcement of its regulation to achieve order and security. Abu Dhabi is likewise free of corruption and has good governance making the criminal justice effective. The fundamental rights are also respected however some fundamental rights to include labor rights, freedom of religion, assembly, and freedom of expression are curtailed. References Al Shaadi, KR., & Kibble, N. Policing and police accountability in UAE; The case for reform. Arab law quarterly. 2000. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org. On November 17, 2011. Gulf News. Police vow zero tolerance towards traffic offenses. 2011. Retrieved from uaeinteract.com on November 17, 2011. Read More