President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated on Saturday that the current administration has spearheaded significant improvements to policing over the past four years. He made the remarks at the ceremony held to mark the 90th anniversary of the Maldives Police Service at the synthetic track in Hulhumalé.
First Lady Fazna Ahmed, Cabinet Ministers, and senior officials from the Maldives National Defence Force and Maldives Police Service also participated in the ceremony.
In his remarks, The President emphasized the noteworthy progress and improvements that the Maldives Police Service underwent, noting the separation from the military and its establishment as a civil service. He added that improving the quality of police services should always be a top government priority as the police service grows and adapts to societal changes and changing mindsets.
President Solih underlined the need for the police service to diversify and adapt to contemporary society, noting that the aim is to ensure necessary education and training for every member of the police force in their relevant fields. He further implored the police to stay vigilant against criminal activity outside the nation.
The president highlighted that police stations have been established in 18 islands of the nation during the current term and that 100 islands currently offer neighborhood policing services. He added that the government is making efforts to ensure that, by the end of this year, police services will be available in all islands.
At the ceremony, President Solih presented plaques of appreciation to long-serving employees and those who significantly contributed to the Maldives Police Service.
President Solih also presented the police officers with the President's Color Medal. He additionally unveiled the "Commemorative Coin," honoring the 90th anniversary of the police service.
The Maldives Police Service was established on March 29, 1933, under the nation's first constitution. On September 1, 2004, the Maldives Police Service was separated from the military and established as a civil service.
