Homeland Security Minister Pledges Major Overhaul to Enhance Police Service Capabilities

The Maldivian Police Service is set for a comprehensive transformation to increase operational capabilities and align its services with public expectations, according to the Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, Ali Ihusan. Speaking to PSM News following a solidarity walk to mark Police Service Day, Minister Ihusan reflected on the 22 years since the police transitioned from a military to a civilian entity in September 2004. While acknowledging the progress made, the Minister noted that the institution's development has not kept pace with the country's growing population and evolving needs. One of the primary hurdles identified is the gap between personnel training and available infrastructure. Minister Ihusan highlighted that although the current administration has successfully expanded police presence from 17 atoll centers to every inhabited island in the Maldives, the physical facilities remain insufficient. This lack of resources has historically hindered officers from delivering high-quality services to the community. To address these systemic challenges, the government is now prioritizing the establishment of dedicated police stations on all inhabited islands. Beyond physical infrastructure, the Ministry is focusing on specialized training programs designed to equip officers with the expert skills required for modern policing. "With the training and other resources provided in specialized areas, the police will become a more capable institution that can provide the kind of service desired by Maldivian citizens," Minister Ihusan stated, expressing optimism that the coming year will mark a turning point in the quality of public safety services. The initiative forms part of a broader government strategy to decentralize essential services and bring security closer to local communities. By integrating urban development with professional capacity building, the administration aims to foster a safer society and a more responsive police force.