Digital Policing: Ethiopia tests unmanned ‘Smart’ police station
Tablet screens glow in individual booths at a new, modern police station in Ethiopia’s Bole district. Unlike traditional stations, there is no crowd of waiting civilians, no front desk, and no officer calling names.
This facility is a pilot for what is being called a “smart” or unmanned police station, part of Ethiopia’s effort to embrace the digital age. A large wall monitor displays welcome messages alongside images of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Uniformed officers are present to guide visitors, giving the station more of a tech showroom feel than a conventional police office.
Cdr Demissie Yilma, head of the police technology expansion department, explains that staff are there to help citizens learn how to use the system. Inside a booth, users can select the type of report—crime, traffic, or general concern—enter details, and submit it. A real officer, located remotely, then appears on the screen to ask questions and record information. If necessary, officers respond immediately and patrol the area reported.
During its first week, the smart police station received only three reports: a lost passport, a financial fraud case, and a routine complaint. Demissie anticipates usage will increase as awareness grows. He emphasizes that the future of policing should bring services closer to citizens. While the system reduces direct human interaction, it could provide access in areas where traditional stations are understaffed.
At the station’s launch on 9 February, Prime Minister Abiy described it as a step toward making law enforcement “competent and competitive,” framing it as part of Ethiopia’s wider digital reform agenda. The station aligns with the national Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, which aims to digitize public services, including identity systems, payments, courts, and government administration.
Despite progress, internet access remains limited, and recent political unrest has caused outages. However, mobile digital payments, a national digital ID, and several online government services have been introduced. Advocates say these reforms are crucial for a rapidly urbanizing country with a young population. Birhan Nega Cheru, a software engineer, praises the efficiency gains but warns of privacy and security risks, noting that digitally literate urban users benefit most while rural and low-income populations may be excluded. UNESCO data shows that 79% of Ethiopians remain offline.
Technology policy analyst Zelalem Gizachew argues that the government is gradually reducing the digital divide through training, infrastructure, and digitization of over 130 government services. He emphasizes that modernizing public services requires not only technology but also policy and skills development.
For now, the smart police station is still a pilot. Officers guide users through the system, while traditional stations continue to operate and most citizens still rely on in-person reporting. Its future depends on whether people embrace the system independently. The Bole station represents a controlled experiment and a glimpse into Ethiopia’s broader digital ambitions in everyday life.
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