Minister of Home Affairs Imran Abdulla has stated the police academy to be established in Addu City will bring major changes to the criminal justice system of the Maldives.
Speaking to the press after inspecting the progress of the development of the police academy, Home Minister Imran said the academy is an important establishment for the training of police officers under the newly enacted Police Service Act. Noting the new law places a high priority on strengthening the investigative skills of police officers, the minister expressed confidence the new academy will help to strengthen the criminal justice system of the Maldives.
The home minister revealed the development of the police academy is expected to be completed within the next few months. He noted there have been delays in completing the project as scheduled initially due to complications related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, he revealed an additional 100 workers had been requested to be brought in from India, although the COVID-19 situation in the neighbouring country has made it difficult to implement these plans. He said discussions have been held with Addu City Council to seek locals to carry out the remaining works on site.
The National College of Policing and Law Enforcement is being developed to cater to a capacity of 340 students. The academy will be equipped with medical, sports and physical training facilities, including a gymnasium and 400-meter running track. The academy will also have a helipad to land helicopters.