The New Maldives Police Service Act Has Come Into Force

People’s Majilis passed the Maldives Police Service Act (Law No. 34/2020) on 6^th December 2020 at the 27th sitting of its third session this year whereas President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had ratified it on 27^th December 2020. Three months following ratification, the Act comes into force today.

The Act stipulates the fundamental principles, guidelines, roles and other aspects concerning police officers which aims to streamline policing in the country by ensuring adherence to the constitution. Police officers are mandated to ensure the safety of all members of the public, without any discrimination or influence, and in line with human rights and best practices. The Act also promotes professional standards within the police force and makes way for the establishment of community-based policing services under a decentralized system of governance.

In addition to this, the Act calls for the formation of the Police Board, which is tasked with overseeing and making decisions pertaining to police matters while the parliament also included an amendment that stipulates the Police Board must reappoint all officers above the rank of superintendent with the exception of the Commissioner of Police, incumbent officers will maintain their positions until these efforts are complete.