As part of its strategy to simplify procedures, the Dubai Police have developed a system to issue good conduct certificates from the nearest police station.

Major-General Khamis Mattar bin Mazeina, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Dubai Police, said that the department issued 52,703 certificates of good conduct during the five months of the current year. He added that the crime record database that could be accessed by all police stations has contributed to the speeding up of procedures.

He said that certificates can be issued in English and Arabic as per the applicant’s request. Those who have been residing in the UAE can get it stamped by the embassies concerned and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They can also apply for it through the UAE embassies abroad, but that may take more time.

Brigadier Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation said the department had started issuing certificates of good conduct since 2008. People who want the certificate to apply for work or immigration purposes can get them from police stations which will issue the certificate after checking the individual’s records.

He added that those who have criminal records or those who have been sentenced for criminal cases can get the certificate after five years from being penalised or after being pardoned and did not commit any other crime. If he was sentenced by the misdemeanor court, he can get the certificate after three years.

Colonel Mohammed Nassir, Deputy Director of Criminal Investigation for Police Stations said the police has certain procedures for issuing certificates. For example, if a school bus driver was found to have a record of consuming alcohol, he can get a certificate if he applies for another job after a specified number of years.

In the case of women, their social condition and the type of crime they committed will be considered.

He added that people could get the certificate within 48 hours provided all required documents are provided. Also, the passport and residence permit should be valid for six months. A fee of Dh110 will be charged for expatriates and Dh60 for nationals.