President pledges police law amendments to improve public services

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to amend the Police Act to remove legal obstacles affecting the delivery of police services and strengthen the Maldives Police Service.

Speaking at a ceremony on Sunday marking the 93rd anniversary of the Maldives Police Service, the President said the government would support legislative changes proposed by the police to improve the institution's ability to serve the public.

He said police officers work closely with members of the public on a daily basis and reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening the service.

"The service provided by the police on a daily basis to protect national security and ensure law and order as an enforcement agency is a profound national service and a tremendous sacrifice," President Muizzu said.

The President described strengthening the police service as one of the administration's priorities and said investment in the police and the military was an investment in the country's security.

Referring to the past two and a half years, he said police officers had played a role in addressing a number of long-standing social issues.

"The personnel of this institution have worked tirelessly to protect our community and rid the nation of several harmful, deep-seated habits that have spread and taken root in our country over many years," he said.

President Muizzu said some provisions of the Police Act should be revised to remove barriers that limit the delivery of public services.

"Once the police institution discusses, researches, and finalises these legislative requirements, the government will respond immediately. The government will extend its full cooperation to bring any statutory change you identify as necessary to strengthen the institution and provide service to the public," he said.

The President also said the government would continue to address infrastructure and resource needs within the police service.

He announced a number of planned projects, including:

The President also said the police service requires additional personnel and confirmed that funding would be allocated to support recruitment.

He added that future government housing projects would include a dedicated allocation for police officers, with the housing to be provided as permanent ownership.