Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau has underscored the critical need to equip the Maldives Police Service (MPS) with sufficient resources and training to effectively prevent and address planned criminal activities.
Speaking at the ceremony commemorating the 20th anniversary of MPS's establishment as a civil service organisation, Commissioner Shujau highlighted the importance of training officers to adapt to the evolving criminal environment. He identified drug abuse and gang-related crimes as the primary challenges the Maldives faces and stressed the necessity for targeted efforts to combat these issues. The commissioner emphasised the importance of enhancing the capabilities of police officers to prevent planned crimes and to investigate financial crimes more effectively.
In his address, Commissioner Shujau expressed sincere gratitude to all parties who support MPS in various tenures to strengthen the management and running of MPS, which initially started with only 500 officers. He acknowledged both praise and criticism from the public, adding that constructive feedback from local media has been instrumental in improving both individual officers' performance and the overall effectiveness of MPS.
Furthermore, Commissioner Shujau honoured the police officers who have lost their lives while fulfilling their duties, who bravely sacrificed themselves to defend the nation. He called on all police officers to exert their utmost effort to build public trust, reiterating that serving the nation and ensuring the safety and security of its residents must remain the highest priority for all officers.
This year marks the 20th year since MPS started to provide services as a civil service organisation. Prior to this, police services were provided under the National Security Service for 91 years, with MPS being established as a distinct civil service organisation on September 1, 2004.