Maldives Police Service (MPS) has implemented four new regulations in accordance with the Police Service Act.
The four newly implemented regulations are on police equipment and resources, classification of documents, police training, and requesting for off-days or leave.
The regulation on police equipment and resources consists of guidelines on acquiring, keeping, and using police equipment and resources. The regulation on the classification of documents consists of guidelines on classifying and preserving records of official police-related documents as well as separating public and classified information. The regulation on police training is concerned with establishing rules and training procedures as well as establishing training centres. The regulation on off-days and leave establishes procedures for employees of the MPS requesting for off-days or leave, and designating the salary and allowance for employees who receive off-days or leave.
The Police Service Act was passed by the Parliament on December 6 last year and ratified by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih 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.
The act also promotes professional standards within the police force and paves the way for the establishment of community-based policing services under a decentralised system of governance.