Dubai:Inmates of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Institutions at Dubai Police have begun taking their final exams online as part of the announced precautionary measures against COVID-19.

Implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Dubai Education Zone, inmate students of 12th grade began taking their final exams for the academic year 2019-2020 online within the Department’s hygienic and sterilised premises.

Brigadier Ali Al Shamali, Director of the General Department of Punitive and Correctional Institutions at Dubai Police, said since the exams for this year come in exceptional circumstances that everyone knows. To achieve physical distance and prevent infection with Coronavirus (Covid-19), and reduce its spread, the Department has conducted the exams remotely.

He explained that the Department had opened the door for home education for inmate students at various educational levels, in cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Education and the Dubai Educational Zone, stressing the keenness of the Dubai Police General Headquarters on humane treatment for inmates, and the consolidation of their social rights in helping them to integrate into society. Consequently, they would be able to support themselves after serving their sentence.

Al Shamali said that the Department had become an educational beacon for inmates by introducing specialised programs and courses organised by the Inmates Education and Training Department.

“The role of penal institutions is not only limited to isolating the perpetrator from society but also includes reforming and qualifying them for an honourable social life. Therefore, the Department intents on providing all capabilities for the inmate to exploit their energy through educational and training programs in many fields, including opening the door of study for those wishing to complete their academic learning,” Al Shamali added.