Police Officers Sworn In Under The Newly Ratified Maldives Police Service Act

Yesterday, the newly ratified Maldives Police Service Act (Law No. 34/2020) had come into force. Consequent to this, all presently serving Police Officers have been sworn in under the new act – at a special oath-taking ceremony held. The ceremony was graced by the Vice President Faisal Naseem, Chief Justice Uz. Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, Minister of Home Affairs Sheikh Imran Abdulla, Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed, and senior officials of government offices the police service.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice President stressed that the enactment of the new Police Service Act is a fresh start for Maldivian citizens towards safe and dignified lives. He also urged Police Officers to be fair and impartial while upholding the law and respecting Islamic values while exercising their duties.

Via a tweet, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also congratulated all officers who took their oath under the new Act and expressed his belief that this Act will reinforce the police institution and its services.

The new 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.

(Photo: Police)