Commissioner of Police (CP) Mohamed Hameed states the new Police Service Act has paved the way for accountability within the Maldives Police Service (MPS).
Speaking at the ceremony held to launch neighbourhood police services of the Upper South Police Division, CP Hameed said the formation of a Police Board under the newly ratified Police Act will strongly improve the monitoring of the police institution and ensure accountability. He said the new Act has provided more room for accountability than there ever was in the 87-year history of MPS.
The commissioner further noted one of the most important changes brought to the police institution through the newly ratified Police Service Act is the decentralisation of police services in the atolls. He added the new Act will broaden the police service through better coordination with local councils and organisations.
Following the ratification of the Police Service Act, Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has also called it a crucial legislation for the development of police services in the Maldives. The home minister said development of police services is a necessity in establishing a proper democracy in the Maldives. He added the Act empowers efforts to establish internal stability and harmony in the country.
The Maldives Police Service Act was ratified by the President on December 27. The Act establishes the fundamental principles, guidelines, roles and other aspects concerning police officers, aiming to streamline policing in the country by ensuring adherence to the constitution. Police officers are mandated to ensure the safety of all members of the public, without any discrimination or influence, and in line with human rights best practices.