Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael has announced that the Ethiopian Federal Police will soon build and operationalize unmanned smart police stations in Addis Ababa. The initiative, the first of its kind in Africa and the fourth globally, marks a significant step toward modernizing law enforcement in the country.
Speaking to the media during a recent press briefing, the Commissioner General emphasized the Federal Police’s increasing reliance on modern technology to prevent and investigate crime. He highlighted the success of the Ethiopian Federal Police Citizen App (EFP), which was ranked first globally among police applications. The app, available for download on both the Play Store and App Store, has significantly enhanced police operations and public engagement.
Demelash further noted that the police are actively implementing community- and information-based crime prevention strategies. As a result, numerous criminals, contraband items, dangerous drugs, and human traffickers have been apprehended.
The Commissioner General also underscored the progress made in investigating complex criminal cases. He credited the Center of Excellence for Forensic Investigation, inaugurated earlier this year by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), for significantly boosting the force’s forensic capacity. The center is equipped with advanced technology capable of retrieving information—even deleted data—exchanged by terrorists across various platforms.
He stated that the system can analyze data from up to 140 different applications simultaneously and generate comprehensive reports, further strengthening the police’s investigative capabilities.
Regarding the forthcoming unmanned police stations, Commissioner General Demelash explained that the smart stations will allow citizens to digitally report crimes and communicate directly with police leadership—without the need for in-person assistance. This innovation is expected to increase accessibility, efficiency, and transparency in law enforcement services.
He also noted that the Ethiopian Federal Police’s international standing is improving, with several countries recognizing the institution’s growing technological and operational capabilities. The ongoing crime prevention efforts, he said, are producing tangible results and contributing to a safer society.