The Maldives Police Service is undergoing a major programme of development aimed at strengthening its capabilities, expanding its infrastructure and delivering services that better meet the expectations of the public, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusan has said.
Speaking to PSM News during a solidarity walk held to mark Police Service Day, Minister Ihusan extended greetings to serving and former police officers and their families, while highlighting the progress and challenges facing the institution.
He noted that 22 years have passed since the Police Service was transformed from a military institution into an independent civilian service. However, he said its infrastructure and resources have not expanded at the same pace as the country’s growing population and increasing demand for police services.
According to the Minister, when the current administration assumed office, police services were available from only 17 atoll centres. Since then, services have been expanded to all inhabited islands of the Maldives.
Minister Ihusan said the government is now working to establish dedicated police stations across the country while strengthening specialised training and providing officers with the resources needed to perform their duties more effectively.
He acknowledged that limited infrastructure and resources have previously affected the quality and accessibility of police services, but said ongoing urban development, improved facilities and expanded professional training would significantly enhance the institution’s capabilities.
“All this infrastructure is being established, and the changes that need to be made to the structure of the police service are now being implemented,” he said, expressing hope that the coming year would see the Police Service reach the standard of service expected by the public.
The government has also introduced measures to bring police services closer to communities and provide the institution with the infrastructure and resources required to contribute to a safer society.
Meanwhile, more than 1,200 police officers and institutional staff took part in the Police Service Day unity march held in Malé and the outer atolls on Saturday.
The main procession began at Republic Square following the administration of the police oath. Participants, including Minister Ihusan and Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed, marched through the capital before returning to the square.
The Maldives Police Service said the event represented the institution’s history, sacrifice and commitment to public service.
Formal policing in the Maldives dates back to 29 March 1933, when the police operated alongside the military. The Police Service became an independent civilian institution on 1 September 2004. A dedicated police statute was subsequently enacted in 2008, while the Police Act of 2020 further strengthened the service’s focus on community policing.
Police Service Day activities include children’s and family programmes, sports events and other community activities. A ‘Blues Family Night’ is also scheduled for 5 September at the National Centre for Social Education.
Commissioner Ahmed Mohamed said the Police Service has made significant progress over the past 22 years and has developed into an institution capable of providing services to the public.
Recalling the transition to civilian policing in 2004, he said the service began with a relatively small number of officers, but has since grown considerably, with the scale of this year’s Police Service Day activities demonstrating that development.
The Commissioner expressed confidence that the institution would continue to strengthen and improve its services in the years ahead.
He also thanked everyone who has served in the Maldives Police Service and expressed appreciation to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for the government’s efforts to further develop the institution. He also commended serving officers for their continued work in protecting the public and fulfilling their legal responsibilities.
