A closer look at SIRA’s Metrology and Controlling Department

ISJ finds out more about SIRA’s Metrology and Controlling Department and hears from its Head, Engineer Khalid Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi.

The Metrology and Controlling Department is one of the main departments at the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA). The Department is in charge of the examination and approval of security systems in accordance with the best technical security specifications and standards set by the industry.

The department is also responsible for the inspection of all the security systems used by security service providers and actors in the vital sectors in the Emirate of Dubai and it checks the compliance of these systems with the safety and security standards established by SIRA. The Metrology and Controlling Department is comprised of three sections: Designs and Security Plans Section, Security Inspection and Monitoring Section and Security Systems and Equipment Laboratory.

The Designs and Security Plans Section reviews and approves the plans of security projects and initiatives of the private security service and system providers and users in the Emirate of Dubai in accordance with the best standards and requirements set by SIRA. This section also approves the security plans of the establishments regulated by Law No. (12) of 2016.

The Security Inspection and Monitoring Section manages the security monitoring and inspection of corporate security service providers, government entities and vital sectors to ensure their commitment to and compliance with the specifications, policies and regulations established by SIRA. The monitoring team of this section checks conformity with the security requirements in commercial sectors and public events and ensures the availability of security systems in such locations.

Manager of the Metrology and Monitoring Department, Engineer Khalid Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi said: “In August 2022, we conducted 279 security assessments of various commercial sectors in the Emirate of Dubai and found that 204 licenses met the security requirements.”

The Security Systems and Equipment Laboratory is the first laboratory tasked with the examination and approval of security equipment in relation to compliance with the approved systems and standards included in SIRA’s Preventive Systems Manual. The laboratory also sets standards, specifications and weightings for the technical examination according to the best approved international practices.

The examined security equipment includes: CCTVs, alarms and unbreakable window films. The Security Systems and Equipment Laboratory and its engineers have created a state-of-the-art “Camera Testing Box” wholly developed in-house. The box has infrared and laser lighting to ensure the internal and external effectiveness of the camera and its resistance to light, temperature and weather conditions as per the security requirements of SIRA.

The CCTVs are approved pursuant to the examination and inspection procedure of the product. Furthermore, the Camera Testing Box can be carried anywhere and is characterised by its connectivity to the sophisticated technical system responsible for the thorough examination which reveals the CCTVs efficiency, quality and accurate functioning.

Mr. Al-Hammadi praised the Metrology and Controlling Department: “The Department strives to improve the performance of the security system in the Emirate of Dubai in order to make Dubai a safe and secure city for residents and visitors alike.”

This article was originally published in the November edition of International Security Journal. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.