New police stations reshape security landscape: Ihusan

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has said the the new police stations being developed across the atolls are reshaping the landscape of security services. 

A ceremony was held last night to inaugurate the R. Innamaadhoo Police Station, and to mark expansion of police services to 187 inhabited islands. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ihusan said that when this administration had come to office, Police services were available in only 121 islands. 

In less than a year, police services have been expanded to an additional 66 islands, Ihusan said, describing it as a remarkable success. 

Ihusan said that some may ask whether is it such a big deal to set up a simple police station and provide services. However, he said that the impact of having a Police station on an island is huge, with services then available to residents around the clock. 

With this, safety and security is ensured, he said, and Police are able to be stationed on the island itself and provide service. 

Ihusan went on to note that at the start of this administration, Police had their own Police Stations in only 17 islands. 

At present, modern stations and several Police accommodation blocks are being developed in various islands across the atolls, he said. This, Ihusan said, would go on to change the landscape of security services. 

Minister Ihusan had laid the foundation for the new Police Station in Inguraidhoo in January. He then inaugurated the completed building 9 months and 20 days later. 

Ihusan said that this station's work alone stands testament to the speed at which this government works. 

Ihusan said that Police had struggled in providing service previously due to lack of a station to work out of, but had never made this apparent due to their interest in serving the public to their best abilities. 

Ihusan pledged to provide necessary resources to Police to conduct their duties, emphasizing that the government places high priority on the safety and security of the public. He asserted that every effort would be made to rid society of the ills of drugs and to prevent children from being presented to lives of crime. 

Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen said that services cannot be given just through Police being stationed on an island, but rather that it requires cooperation between Police and the community. 

He emphasized the importance of mutual trust and  urged officers to uphold the public trust in the service. He said that ensuring that service is provided in a transparent manner would go a long way in maintaining public trust in the service. 

Naveen called on Police to uphold the integrity of Police and fulfil their duties with dedication and responsibility.