Police Commissioner Hameed retires

Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed has retired from his post on Wednesday.

Hameed has retired after nearly 28 years of service in the police.

At a special ceremony held in Iskandhar Koshi, he was awarded a Recognition Plaque of Honour, a retirement card and the police flag. Home Minister Imran Abdulla presented these to Hameed. Members of Hameed's family attended the ceremony, in addition to senior officers of the service.

In his speech, Hameed said that as he leaves 'the service closest to [his] heart', he implores all officers of the service to ensure the integrity and respect of the services.

He professed unending commitment to transforming the Maldives into a peaceful, low crime community.

Hameed is the longest serving Commissioner of Police since the Maldives Police Services (MPS) was separated from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). He was appointed to the position on March 26, 2019.

Home Minister Imran lauded Hameed's services to MPS, stating that his leadership had seen the MPS ascend into a position of acceptance in the global police services, especially Interpol Intelligence.

The Minister further emphasized that building a second generation of officers, establishing the Police Academy, compiling the syllabus and establishing the service as a unified, cohesive service count among the many achievements of the outgoing Commissioner.

He said that if the police services continue to build on this foundation set in place by Hameed, it will grow into a service such as that is desired by the public.

According to the Retirement Regulations of MPS, a Police Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner retiring on a honourable discharge is entitled to a lump sum as retirement pay even if they have served less than 30 years in service. The amount, however, will be calculated for a period of 30 years.

Additionally, they will be provided 75 percent of their basic salary every month for life.