Abu Dhabi Police Boost Disaster Response with Advanced DVI Training

In a significant step toward strengthening UAE’s emergency response capabilities, the Abu Dhabi Police have launched an advanced series of Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) training courses. These specialized programs, conducted in collaboration with the European Training Centre for Disaster Victim Identification (ETAF), focus on equipping officers and emergency response specialists with the skills needed to handle mass-casualty incidents effectively. By aligning with INTERPOL DVI protocols, these initiatives underscore Abu Dhabi’s commitment to humanitarian excellence and global standards in crisis management.

A Strategic Approach to Disaster Victim Identification

Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) is a critical process used to identify victims of mass-casualty incidents, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or accidents. The Abu Dhabi Police have prioritized this field through a comprehensive training plan that enhances the technical competence and preparedness of their personnel. The recent courses covered essential areas, including:

• Crime Scene Investigation for DVI (CSI-DVI): Techniques for collecting and documenting forensic evidence at disaster sites.
• Ante-Mortem Identification Procedures: Methods for gathering pre-incident data to aid victim identification.
• Information Collection: Strategies for efficient data exchange with local and international partners.
• Legal Aspects of DVI: Ensuring compliance with international protocols and legal frameworks.

These programs, delivered in partnership with ETAF, involved field officers and specialists who play a pivotal role in emergency response operations. By integrating INTERPOL DVI guidelines, the training ensures that Abu Dhabi Police are equipped to handle both open disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods) and closed disasters (e.g., airplane crashes with known passenger manifests).

Aligning with Global Standards

The Abu Dhabi Police training initiative is part of a broader strategy to align with the highest international standards, particularly the INTERPOL DVI protocols. These protocols, outlined in the INTERPOL DVI Guide (last updated in 2023), provide a globally accepted framework for identifying victims in mass-fatality incidents. The guide emphasizes scientific methods—such as fingerprint analysis, dental records, and DNA sampling—over visual identification, which is often unreliable in disaster scenarios.

Brigadier General Mohammed Dhahi Al-Hamiri, Director of the Central Operations Sector at Abu Dhabi Police, highlighted the importance of these courses: “This training is a cornerstone of our comprehensive plan to enhance the preparedness and technical expertise of our field personnel, ensuring alignment with global best practices in emergency response.”

The programs also emphasize international collaboration, with ETAF providing expertise to create an interconnected response framework. This partnership enables Abu Dhabi Police to contribute to global humanitarian efforts while maintaining operational excellence in crisis management.

Building a Robust Emergency Response Framework

The DVI training programs are designed to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s integrated emergency response system. By focusing on forensic documentation, victim-family liaison, and inter-agency coordination, the courses prepare officers for the complexities of mass-casualty incidents. Key components of the training include:

• Forensic Evidence Collection: Training in CSI-DVI equips officers to gather and preserve evidence, ensuring evidential continuity and forensic accuracy.
• Family Liaison Officers (FLOs): These officers are trained to provide emotional support and coordination with victims’ families, fostering trust and transparency.
• Practical Exercises: Hands-on simulations enhance skills in identification mechanisms and data exchange with partners like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP).
• Unified Operational Language: The training establishes a standardized approach to communication across agencies, improving efficiency and collaboration.

Brigadier General Ahmed Nasser Al-Kindi, Director of the Crisis and Disaster Management Department and Head of the DVI Team, emphasized the strategic importance of these efforts: “Building the capabilities of our DVI team reflects our commitment to humanitarian excellence and specialized police work. Our partnership with ETAF ensures we are prepared to manage major incidents with precision and compassion.”

INTERPOL’s Role in Supporting DVI Operations

INTERPOL plays a critical role in supporting DVI operations worldwide, offering resources such as:

• Command and Coordination Centre (CCC): Facilitates rapid response and coordination.
• Incident Response Team (IRT): Provides on-site support and access to INTERPOL databases.
• DVI Software Tools: Streamlines data management and victim identification.
• Downloadable DVI Forms and Guidelines: Ensures adherence to global standards.

These resources are particularly vital in open disasters, where the number of victims is unknown, and mixed disasters, which combine elements of both open and closed scenarios. By training its personnel to leverage these tools, Abu Dhabi Police are enhancing their ability to support international disaster response efforts.

The INTERPOL DVI Guide, updated every five years by a working group of forensic experts, sets the standard for DVI protocols. It addresses key areas such as victim care, family support, forensic quality assurance, and data dissemination, ensuring a humanitarian approach to disaster response.

Impact on Abu Dhabi’s Emergency Preparedness

The DVI training initiative underscores Abu Dhabi Police’s commitment to operational excellence and humanitarian support. By equipping officers with advanced skills, the programs enhance the emirate’s ability to respond to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other mass-casualty incidents. The training also strengthens community trust by ensuring that victims and their families are treated with dignity and respect.

At the conclusion of the training, Brigadier General Dr. Rashid Mohammed Borshaid Al-Naqbi, Deputy Director of the Saif Bin Zayed Academy for Police and Security Sciences, presented certificates to the graduates. He emphasized the importance of sustainable readiness: “Continuous advanced training is essential to ensure our teams are prepared for all types of disasters and emergencies. These programs reflect our dedication to maintaining world-class standards in crisis management.”

Why This Matters for the UAE and Beyond

The DVI training programs have significant implications for the UAE and the Middle East. By enhancing the capabilities of Abu Dhabi Police, the initiative strengthens the region’s emergency preparedness and positions the emirate as a leader in disaster response. The focus on international standards and collaboration with organizations like ETAF and INTERPOL ensures that Abu Dhabi is well-equipped to support global humanitarian efforts.

For communities, the training enhances public safety by ensuring that mass-casualty incidents are managed with precision and compassion. Families of victims benefit from the work of Family Liaison Officers, who provide emotional support and clear communication during challenging times. For law enforcement, the programs foster professional development and operational efficiency, enabling officers to handle complex scenarios with confidence.

The Future of Disaster Response in Abu Dhabi

As the UAE continues to grow as a global hub, the need for robust emergency response systems becomes increasingly critical. The Abu Dhabi Police’s investment in DVI training sets a precedent for other emirates and countries in the Middle East. By adopting cutting-edge technologies and international best practices, Abu Dhabi is paving the way for a smarter, more resilient approach to disaster management.

Future initiatives may include the integration of AI-driven tools for forensic analysis, enhanced data-sharing platforms, and expanded training simulations to prepare for emerging threats. The partnership with ETAF and INTERPOL also opens the door for further international collaboration, positioning Abu Dhabi as a key player in global disaster response.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the DVI training programs offer significant benefits, they also come with challenges. Managing mass-casualty incidents requires coordination across multiple agencies, which can be complex in open disaster scenarios. Additionally, maintaining forensic accuracy and evidential continuity in high-pressure environments demands ongoing investment in training and technology.

However, these challenges are outweighed by the opportunities. The DVI initiative enhances Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leader in emergency preparedness, attracting international partnerships and investments. It also creates a skilled workforce capable of handling diverse disaster scenarios, contributing to the UAE’s vision of being a global leader in public safety.

A Commitment to Excellence

The Abu Dhabi Police’s DVI training programs represent a landmark achievement in emergency response and humanitarian support. By equipping officers with advanced skills, fostering international collaboration, and aligning with INTERPOL protocols, Abu Dhabi is setting a new standard for disaster management in the Middle East. These efforts reflect a commitment to operational excellence, community trust, and global humanitarian goals.

As the UAE continues to invest in crisis management, initiatives like this will play a pivotal role in ensuring public safety and resilience. For communities, businesses, and international partners, the Abu Dhabi Police’s DVI training is a testament to the emirate’s dedication to creating a safer, more secure future.