Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated the main aim of the government is to decentralise police services under the newly enacted Police Service Act.
Speaking at the special ceremony to open a police post in Thoddoo, Alifu Alifu Atoll, the home minister said the purpose of decentralising police services is to improve response times for islands and businesses regardless of the location. Minister Imran said the government plans to make sweeping changes to strengthen and widen police services, especially in the atolls, to protect citizens. He said reducing police response times and making police services easily available are key to a peaceful community.
Home Minister Imran added it was the responsibility of the government and the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to safeguard local tourism and agriculture-related businesses across the country. Highlighting the efforts of the MPS and the Thoddoo Island Council in imposing the rule of law, the minister said the key to keeping the island free from crimes is for the residents to support police officers.