Dubai’s punitive and correctional institutions receive Golden Eagle Award from American Correctional Association
Dubai Police General Command, represented by the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments in Dubai, has obtained the international accreditation certificate from the American Correctional Association (ACA) — the largest and oldest global organisation specialising in correctional establishments, established in 1870 — for achieving 100% compliance with all international standards related to human rights in correctional establishments and passing the comprehensive evaluation with merit.
With this new milestone, the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments in Dubai Police obtained the “Global Eagle Award” from the American Correctional Association, becoming the first regionally and the third globally to win this award, following the Misdemeanours and Minor Offences Prison obtaining its first accreditation certificate at 100% compliance with the standards, and the renewal of the international accreditation certificate for both the Central Prison and the Women's Prison after both achieved 100% compliance with the standards.
The journey towards international accreditation for the punitive and correctional establishments at Dubai Police commenced in 2020, when the Central Prison received its first accreditation at 100% compliance from the American Correctional Association (ACA), ranking fifth in the world at that time.
In 2023, the Central Prison achieved accreditation renewal at 100% compliance, while the Women's Prison, in the same year, received its first accreditation at 100% compliance, becoming the first women's prison in the world to secure accreditation from the American Correctional Association.
On this occasion, Dubai Police General Command extended its congratulations to the UAE and its wise leadership on this accomplishment, which reflects the enduring and steadfast commitment to applying the highest international human rights standards. Dubai Police also expressed its deep appreciation for the continuous support of His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, in achieving excellence both locally and globally and ensuring the implementation of the finest international practices, thereby reinforcing the UAE's leadership in security and policing.
His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, affirmed Dubai Police's commitment to aligning with the directives and strategy of the UAE in the field of human rights. He noted that Dubai Police applies the highest standards across its punitive and correctional establishments in Dubai, ensuring the rights of male and female inmates in full harmony with the legislative and policy framework adopted by the state. He commended the efforts of all personnel and teams at the punitive and correctional establishments in Dubai for achieving this milestone and their commitment to striving towards even greater excellence.
Meanwhile, Brigadier Sultan Al Owais, Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments in Dubai, affirmed that this achievement is the result of the continuous efforts made by Dubai Police to provide every essential for a modern and dignified life within punitive and correctional establishments, in keeping with international standards, to ensure the sustainability of human rights. He highlighted that the correctional establishments have embraced a policy centred on reform, rehabilitation, and restoring hope to inmates for a brighter future.
He explained that the punitive and correctional establishments care for inmates across all aspects of their lives, including healthcare, personal development, and intellectual enrichment through a wide range of academic and vocational courses. “Inmates are given the opportunity to enhance their innovative capabilities through personal projects and innovations, while electronic libraries provide them access to a wealth of cultural knowledge. The establishments also attend to the humanitarian needs of inmates' families and children, grant them full freedom to practise their religious observances, provide opportunities for those wishing to pursue their education, and alleviate financial burdens in cooperation with partners from the public and private sectors,” Al Owais added.
Colonel Hamad Rashid Al Marri, Deputy Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Establishments, who received the accreditation certificate, confirmed that the accreditation journey began under the directives of the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, with the requirement that the evaluation of the punitive and correctional establishments be conducted by the world's foremost correctional organisation. The American Correctional Association (ACA) was selected for its unparalleled legacy in the field. He noted that the accreditation of all prisons represents a distinctive achievement that will have a profound positive impact on personnel, the quality of life of inmates, and the safeguarding of their rights and obligations.