Over 1,200 Officers March Across Maldives to Celebrate Police Service Day

More than 1,200 police officers and institutional staff marched through Malé and the outer atolls to mark Police Service Day, celebrating the force's evolution into an independent civil service. The event commemorates the historic transition on September 1, 2004, when the police force separated from the military to establish a dedicated civilian policing body. The processions began at Republic Square following the administration of the police oath. The march, which included Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan and Police Commissioner Ahmed Mohamed, circled the capital island to symbolize the institution's history of sacrifice and sincerity. Addressing the participants, Commissioner Ahmed Mohamed highlighted the significant growth of the service over the last 22 years. He noted that while the civilian service began with a small contingent of officers in 2004, it has since developed into a robust institution capable of meeting the public's needs. The Commissioner expressed confidence in the continued development of the force and thanked President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for the government's ongoing support. The history of formal policing in the Maldives dates back to March 29, 1933. After decades of operating alongside the military, the service was restructured under a 2008 statute and further transformed by a 2020 act that shifted the focus toward community-oriented policing. Beyond the unity march, the celebrations include a variety of community-focused events. Children's festivals, family activities, and sports programs are scheduled to engage the public. The festivities will culminate in the 'Blues Family Night' on September 5 at 8:30 p.m. at the National Centre for Social Education, featuring performances by Baarashu Shiyam, Habeys, and the MNSU.