Marking over two decades as an independent civilian entity, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Mohamed has reaffirmed the institution’s steadfast commitment to legal standards, democratic principles, and professional excellence during the annual Police Service Day celebrations.
Reflecting on the past 22 years, the Commissioner noted that the journey has been defined by resilience in the face of challenges and a courageous pursuit of reform. To effectively combat emerging threats, including cybercrime and modern offenses, advanced training has been implemented to ensure officers meet high operational standards aimed at fostering a low-crime community, he added.
Emphasising a community-oriented approach, the Commissioner stressed that modern policing cannot be achieved in isolation. Instead, success relies on robust partnerships with local councils, non-governmental organisations, and individual citizens to proactively eliminate environments that breed crime.
“The police uniform and the badge on our shoulders are a trust given by the public. Public trust cannot be gained through the use of force. It can only be earned through sincerity, integrity, and fairness. Every police officer is a guardian of the institution's honour and dignity,” he said, underscoring the gravity of their mandate.
The Commissioner contrasted the resource-scarce beginnings of the independent service with its current state, highlighting significant advancements in infrastructure, logistics, and service delivery. With police presence now established across every island, he acknowledged the government’s ongoing initiatives to develop dedicated physical infrastructure for law enforcement throughout the Maldives.
The commemorative ceremony also served to honour long-serving personnel. Plaques of appreciation were presented by the Commissioner to 95 officers—holding ranks from Senior Sergeant and below—who have dedicated over two decades to the force. Further honours were distributed by the Chief Guest of the event, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan, who presented awards to staff reaching milestones of 25, 30, and 35 years of service, alongside 132 officers holding the rank of Inspector of Police and above with more than 20 years of service.