92 years of policing in the Maldives: a reflection on reform and the road ahead

The following op-ed was written by former police commissioner Mohamed Hameed.

As we mark the 92nd anniversary of policing in the Maldives, it offers a timely moment to reflect not only on the institution’s long journey but also on the pivotal reforms and values that must continue to guide its future. During my tenure as Commissioner of Police from 2019 to 2023, I had the privilege – and the responsibility – of leading the Maldives Police Service (MPS) through one of its most important transitional phases: from a command-centric force to a community-oriented, accountable, and democratically aligned public service.

These years were shaped by a shared vision: to build a professional police service that inspires trust, operates within the bounds of the law, and upholds the rights and dignity of every Maldivian.

One of the most defining moments in that journey was the enactment of the Maldives Police Service Act in 2020. This landmark legislation marked a watershed moment in our nation’s policing history. For the first time, it codified principles of democratic policing – embedding transparency, oversight, and public accountability at the heart of the institution.

The Act established the Police Board, an independent civilian oversight body that holds the Commissioner accountable and ensures that the police act in accordance with public interest. I was proud to be the first Commissioner of Police to be summoned before this board, not as a rebuke, but as a symbol of a new era where even the highest in command are not above scrutiny. That experience alone demonstrated the maturity our institution had begun to adopt.

The law also mandated a shift towards decentralised policing – one that respects the unique contexts of our islands and empowers local communities. In compliance, we launched five Regional Commands across the nation, each led by senior officers equipped to respond to local safety needs. This brought policing closer to the people, fostering greater trust and quicker, more effective service.

From the very beginning, I made it clear that progressive policing would be grounded in respect for human rights and rule of law. We worked to transform the mindset of the organisation – from one of reactive enforcement to proactive, rights-based service. For too long, law enforcement in the Maldives operated in an environment where accountability was weak and public trust was eroded by politicization and misconduct. We were determined to change that.

With the introduction of comprehensive internal reforms and a new Code of Ethics, we began to cultivate a culture where officers understood that power must be exercised responsibly. Body-worn cameras became standard issue, not just as a tool for evidence, but as a symbol of transparency. Training modules at every level incorporated international best practices, ethical conduct, and constitutional responsibilities.

More importantly, we listened. Complaints were not dismissed – they were investigated. Officers found guilty of misconduct faced consequences. Public forums and citizen engagement became an integral part of our operation. Over time, we saw measurable improvements in public confidence in the police.

Building a modern police service requires more than just laws and policies – it demands the right tools, training, and infrastructure. With that in mind, we fast-tracked projects that had been long delayed, including the completion of the new National College of Policing and Law Enforcement in Addu City.

This college – built with international collaboration – was not just a building; it was a promise to the future. It brought structured, high-quality training to new recruits and serving officers alike. It allowed for the professional development of leaders. And it opened doors for Maldives to become a regional training hub, exchanging knowledge with our international counterparts.

We also embraced digital tools to improve service delivery. Online crime reporting, data-driven investigations, and case tracking systems began to reduce the burden on citizens while improving accountability. We made strategic investments in state of the art equipment like Body-worn cameras conductive energy devices (TASERS) to enhance officer safety while minimizing harm.

The real test of any police service lies in how it handles crises. During my tenure, we faced some of the most serious challenges in recent history – from violent gang crime to terrorist threats and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The attempted assassination of Speaker Mohamed Nasheed in 2021 was a wake-up call for our national security. Our officers responded swiftly and professionally, securing the scene, launching counter-terror operations, and collaborating with international agencies. The subsequent arrests and dismantling of extremist networks were a direct result of improved intelligence, investigative and tactical coordination.

Likewise, our efforts against organized crime – especially drug trafficking – saw some of the largest seizures and operations in our history. Over 1.6 tonnes of drugs were confiscated, hundreds of arrests were made, and dozens of drug distribution dens dismantled. We understood that true safety isn’t just about arrests – it’s about sustained disruption of criminal networks.

Perhaps the most meaningful legacy of my time as Commissioner is the shift toward community policing. With the Neighborhood Support Officer program, we made sure that every ward in Malé, and eventually every atoll, had dedicated officers who understood the people they served. These officers didn’t just respond to crime – they built relationships, listened to concerns, and helped prevent issues before they escalated.

This change in philosophy – seeing police not just as enforcers, but as partners – has transformed how citizens interact with the police service. It reminded us all that safety is a shared responsibility, and trust is earned, not demanded.

As the Maldives Police Service enters its 93rd year, I urge all serving officers and policymakers to preserve the gains we made. The foundations we laid – from the Police Act to decentralised command, from rights-based training to professional ethics – must not be eroded by complacency or political expedience.

Progressive policing is not a trend; it is a necessity in any democratic society. We must continue to invest in our people, embrace transparency, and foster trust through consistent action. Only then can we truly say that the police are here to serve and protect every citizen equally.

In closing, I remain humbled by the opportunity to have served. The reforms we achieved were not the work of one individual, but the result of a shared commitment by countless officers, communities, and government partners. My hope is that the next generation of police leaders will not only preserve this legacy – but take it even further.

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