President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has noted the most significant progress in the past 4 months was made by Maldives Police Service. The president made the statement speaking in the special function to mark the 86th anniversary of Maldives Police Service.
Speaking at the function, President Solih stated the police would be given total freedom within the constitution to instil peace and harmony in the society and assured the public the police force would not be politically influenced at any cost. He further expressed hope the police force would follow the rules and regulations at all times and serve the nation with their utmost excellence.
President Solih highlighted peace and harmony in the society can be ensured if perpetrator are stopped before they carry out harmful, illegal, or immoral acts. In this regard, he spoke on the importance of identifying reasons for criminal activities and finding solutions to those problems.
President Solih highlighted the police loose public trust when they are politically influenced, conducts corrupt acts and operates out of legal limits. However, the president praised the professionalism and nationalism shown by the police force in the past 4 months.
Speaking further, President Solih said the administration has prioritised reforming the police force since assuming office, noting the targets for the police included in the first 100-day pledge policy have been achieved. In this regard, the 5-year Police Strategic Plan has been formulated based on the information acquired during the Police Reform Symposium and 5 key areas have been identified for immediate improvement, according to the president.
The president stated in the Police Strategic plan as well, the highest priority is accorded to restoring the public trust and confidence in the institution. He said once the milestone is achieved, the crime rate will lower and in turn that the police will find it easier to enforce the laws.
Further, the president said the police was the first line of attendees the public meets during a crisis. He called upon all police officers to demonstrated compassion and sociability towards the community, and to always put forth professionalism when dealing with the public.