Ethiopia Launches First-Ever Smart Police Station System With No Humans

The activation of the first unmanned Smart Police Station in Addis Ababa marks a critical technical milestone for the Ethiopian Federal Police. Formally inaugurated on February 9, 2026, this facility operates 24/7 without a physical human presence on-site. Its significance, however, goes beyond simple automation; it represents a fundamental shift in the "contract" between technology and public safety, positioning Ethiopia as a global pioneer in the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy.

How the Unmanned Experience Works

For the citizens, the "Smart Station" functions as a high-tech walk-in kiosk. The goal is to provide a seamless, stress-free user journey through the following technical layers:

• Entry and Authentication: Upon entering the secure, climate-controlled pod, users are greeted by an AI-driven interface. To begin any service, the user authenticates their identity using the Fayda Digital ID. This biometric check (fingerprint or iris scan) ensures that every report is legally verified from the first second.
• The Service Terminal: The heart of the station is a multi-language digital console offering over 25 automated services. This includes Incident Reporting for criminal or traffic accidents, Administrative Requests for lost documents or "Good Conduct" certificates, and Payment Integration for settling fines directly via digital gateways.
• Interactive Evidence Intake: For crime reporting, the station is equipped with high-resolution scanners and cameras. A user can scan physical evidence or upload digital files directly into the case folder.
• The Virtual Officer Bridge: If the AI determines a case is complex, it triggers a high-definition video link. A senior officer from the Central Command Hub appears on the screen to provide human-in-the-loop consultation, ensuring that the technology is supported by expert judgment.

AI as the Command Center

Behind the sleek kiosks, the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII) has built a powerful analytical engine. This isn't just a recording device; it is an active monitoring system.

• Real-Time Data Synthesis: Every report filed at a smart station is instantly categorized by AI. If multiple reports of theft appear in one neighborhood within an hour, the system automatically alerts the nearest physical patrol units.
• End-to-End Encryption: To maintain digital sovereignty and citizen trust, all data is encrypted in transit and stored in domestic data centers, adhering to Ethiopia’s latest data privacy mandates.

By removing the human intermediary at the point of entry and establishing a neutral, algorithm-driven interface, this initiative addresses critical internal hurdles regarding administrative efficiency and resource allocation.

This automated model scales trust through consistent, 24/7 accessible law enforcement services, allowing the Federal Police to maintain presence without the overhead of physical staffing. Ultimately, as this pilot expands under the Digital Ethiopia 2030 roadmap, it sets a new national benchmark for utilizing AI to build a resilient, transparent, and globally competitive law enforcement institution.