Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed has described the construction of 154 purpose-built police stations across the country as an important step towards improving police work and the quality of services offered in the atolls.
He made the statement in a meeting with the staff of Kaashidhoo Police Station, as part of a programme to visit all police stations across the country and assess their situation. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner of Police Faruhadh Fikuree, Commander of Northern Police, Atoll Commander as well as officers and staff of Kaashidhoo Police Station.
Speaking during the meeting, the commissioner said policing is a unique profession that requires special skills. He said ending reliance on rented premises for police stations, which had continued over the last 30 years, would significantly improve the institution. He thanked President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for initiating the project to establish 154 police stations across the country.
Land has been allocated for a two-storey police station in Kaashidhoo, with preparations under way to begin construction. The commissioner said meetings are being held with contractors to expedite construction.
The commissioner noted that 21 cases were reported in the first six months of the year in Kaashidhoo, of which nine had been investigated and sent to the Prosecutor General’s Office for prosecution. He praised the investigating officers’ performance, stating that it reflected their dedication and interest. He directed police to pay particular attention to monitoring the island because of the possibility of drug transactions taking place outside residential areas given the island’s size and large forested areas.
The commissioner further said police will establish a policy that gives greater priority to criminal investigations and operational duties. Expressing concern that some offcers seek to avoid investigative work, the commissioner said greater emphasis will be placed on officers directly involved in these areas.
Calling on officers to maintain high standards of ethics, discipline and uniform, the commissioner urged them to take responsibility for providing services to island communities. He praised the exemplary conduct of Kaashidhoo officers and thanked the station’s in-charge and staff.