The Netherlands has opened its first “Smart Police Station”, in the city of Utrecht. It follows collaboration between the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates, which has pioneered the approach, specifically in the city of Dubai. The Republic of Serbia opened the first Smart Police Station outside the UAE in 2023.

The new police station will offer policing services without human intervention, and will be open 24 hours a day. “SPS Utrecht” is situated in the area of Utrecht Central Station in the city centre, and will serve residents, travellers, and commuters from various neighbouring cities.

The inauguration follows meetings and discussions between Dubai Police and the Dutch police on enhancing cooperation and integration in policing and security, crime prevention, and the exchange of expertise and best practices in policing.

Sharon Dijksma, Mayor of Utrecht, stated, “During my visit to Dubai last year, I saw how innovation can facilitate more officers on the beat. In addition, this new smart police station in the city’s heart will make reporting nuisance or crime even easier. I am proud that we, together with the police, exerted all efforts to bring this concept to Utrecht.”

Jolanda Aalbers, the Netherlands Police’s Deputy Lead for Service Provision, said “We are very happy with this cooperation and the opening of this unique smart police station in the Netherlands. We look forward to our continued cooperation, allowing us to learn from one another in shared professional fields and benefit society in both countries.”

Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri said “The inauguration of SPS Utrecht follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Dubai Police and the Dutch police to enhance police cooperation and exchange expertise and smart police stations. The work on establishing SPS Utrecht began last year with Emirati expertise to provide services to the community without any human intervention, 24/7, similar to the smart police stations in Dubai. SPS Utrecht offers several police services, including communication with officers via video call, inquiry services, reporting service, and criminal reporting services, along with various community and security services.”