Hatim Al-Masoudi

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

 

MAKKAH — For the first time the Public Security Administration has decided to deploy female officers and dispatch them to places where male officers cannot enter during the Haj season.



Maj. Gen. Jamaan Al-Ghamdi, assistant commander of Haj security forces, told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that these female officers will help prevent crimes, especially thefts.



All security officers are ready and prepared to deal with possible problems and crises during this Haj season, he added. “Crime rate in ritual sites has gone down over the past few years.”



There are over 35 detention centers at the holy sites where suspects in security and safety violations will be detained, Maj. Gen. Al-Ghamdi pointed out. He said these centers are not prisons but simply centers for temporary detention.



Additionally, 21 patrol teams, 8 teams for detecting and removing explosives as well as teams who keep a close watch on pickpockets at crowded places have been set up.



“We also use surveillance cameras installed all over Mina and Arafat to provide pilgrims with safety and security and allow them to perform their rituals with ease and comfort,” said Maj. Gen. Al-Ghamdi.