Minister Ihusan Directs Police to Modernize and Serve Communities Responsibly

Homeland Security and Technology Minister Ali Ihusan has issued a clear directive to the Maldives Police Service, stating that officers must serve the public responsibly and that those who do not uphold this core purpose "have no place in the force." The Minister delivered this message at the opening ceremony of the Local Policing Conference 2025, underscoring the force's fundamental duty to the people. Minister Ihusan provided a historical context, noting that while the police service has been operational for 90 years, its modernization began roughly two decades ago. He emphasized that the service must now adapt its policies to keep pace with a rapidly changing society, evolving laws, shifting public perceptions, advancing technology, and new criminal patterns, aligning with the priorities of each administration. Highlighting the critical role of officers on the ground, the Minister stated that a primary goal of the Local Policing Conference is to consult with these frontline personnel, who work most closely with communities, to help shape future police strategies. Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen echoed the focus on community engagement, stating the conference aims to increase police participation across the atolls and build local capacity. With the police service operating on 187 islands, he identified assessing the unique criminal environments and patterns in these diverse areas and providing targeted officer training as a key priority for the institution.