View source for Maldives Police Service

{{Short description|Civilian police force of the Republic of Maldives}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}

{{Infobox law enforcement agency
| agencyname      = Maldives Police Service
| nativename      = ދިވެހި ފުލުހުންގެ ޚިދުމަތް
| commonname      =
| abbreviation    =
| patch           =
| patchcaption    =
| logo            = Maldives Police Service Logo.svg
| logocaption     = Logo
| flag            =
| flagcaption     =
| motto           = To Protect and Serve.
| mottotranslated =
| formedyear      = 2004
| formedmonthday  = 1 September
| preceding1      = 29 March 1933
| dissolved       =
| superseding     =
| employees       = 10000+
| volunteers      =
| budget          = 
| nongovernment   =
| country         =
| countryabbr     =
| national        =
| map             =
| mapcaption      =
| sizearea        =
| sizepopulation  = 517,887 (January 2023 est.)
| legaljuris      = [[Maldives|Republic of Maldives]]
| governingbody   =
| governingbodyscnd =
| constitution1   = The Police Act, 34/2020<ref>{{cite web |title=Maldives Police Service Act (Dhivehi) Law No. 34/2020 |url=https://mvlaw.gov.mv/dv/legislations/153/consolidations/778 |website=mvlaw.gov.mv |publisher=Attorney General's Office, Republic of Maldives |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref>
| police          = Yes
| local           =
| overviewtype    =
| overviewbody    =
| headquarters    = Shaheed Hussain Adam Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, Maldives
| hqlocmap        =
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| sworntype       = Police Officers
| sworn           =
| unsworntype     =
| unsworn         =
| multinational   =
| electeetype     =
| minister1name   = Ali Ihusan
| minister1pfo    = Minister of Homeland Security and Technology
| minister2name   = 
| minister2pfo    = 
| chief1name      = Ali Shujau
| chief1position  = [[Commissioner of Police]]
| chief2name      = Farhad Fikry
| chief2position  = [[Commissioner of Police|Deputy Commissioner of Police]]
| chief3name      = Ismail Naveen
| chief3position  = [[Commissioner of Police|Deputy Commissioner of Police]]
| chief4name      = 
| chief4position  = 
| parentagency    = [[Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology (Maldives)|Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology]]
| child1agency    =
| unittype        =
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| uniformedas     =
| stationtype     = Police Station
| stations        = 155+ including Police Desks
| airbases        =
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| lockups         =
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| website         = {{URL|https://www.police.gov.mv/|police.gov.mv}}
| footnotes       =
| reference       =
}}

The '''Maldives Police Service''' ({{Langx|dv|ދިވެހި ފުލުހުންގެ ޚިދުމަތް|translit=dhivehi fuluhunge khidhumaiy}}) is the civilian national police force of the [[Maldives|Republic of Maldives]]. It is responsible for enforcing criminal and traffic law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout Maldives. The organization comes under the control of the Ministry of Homeland Security And Technology.

== History ==
{{Multiple issues|{{Copy edit | section | date = May 2025}}
{{Unreferenced | section | date = February 2018}}}}
The police service was first established during the reign of [[Muhammad Shamsuddeen III|Al-Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddeen III]] on 29 March 1933, with the initial number of officers at 120. Members of the force were issued the traditional Maldivian [[mundu]] and libaas as well as a cap, belt, and straps. The officers typically patrolled around the market place on the island, carrying their batons and whistles.

The police worked with the assistance of the military when needed, which was available as applicable by the law. During the earlier days of Police, there was violence between the foreign investors{{Who|date=May 2025}} and the Maldivians. The foreigners stopped business with Maldivians and closed their shops which caused the Maldivians to suffer. The Police tried their best to control the situation, but needed the help of the Military. The Military helped the Police in their full strength and finally brought the situation under control. That was on 15 May 1933.

The initial Investigation office was small with only three investigation tables . The three tables in the investigating office represented three sections of the service; Theft, Political and Serious Crimes. The office was mostly painted in green which is why the place was also called the Green Office. In 1970 Police office was changed to the building that has since become the Bandara Koshi library. New sections formed; Traffic Control and road accidents were being monitored by the police. The police force was soon disbanded although the initial law was not revoked. The police force was formally re-established on 13 March 1972, as a branch of the security force, which were then known as National Guards, functioning under the Ministry of Public Safety.

The operating procedures of service established in 1933 were maintained until the election of [[Maumoon Abdul Gayoom]] on 11 November 1978. When the force was re-structured under Ministry of Defense and National Security on 10 January 1979, National Guards were renamed as National Security Service. Since the organization was expanding, the lack of space in the building was experienced. As a result, finally, in 1985 the headquarters was re-located to the building of the current Ministry of Defense and National Security. Apart from an Admin Section, five investigation sections were formed.

And in 1992 a Police Inspector from the West Yorkshire Police named David Price introduced the modern working structure of the Police, introducing Police beats and mobile patrols. Police shifted to Shaheedh Hussain Adam Building in 1999 and on 1 September 2004 Maldives Police Service was formed under the Ministry of Home Affairs which was a major functional shift of the present administration. National Security Service was later renamed as [[Maldives National Defence Force]].

On 1 July 2013 police reserve force known as the Special Constabulary was inaugurated. And on 23 July 2013 first official ceremony to commemorate the Police Memorial Day was held. The Police Memorial Day is an annual nationwide event which aims to remember, honour and pay respects to each and every Police Officer who lost their lives in the line of duty. And on the same day Police Memorial Wall was inaugurated to honour the members of the Maldives Police Service who lost their lives in the line of duty.

== Organization structure ==
Source:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.police.gov.mv|title=Maldives Police Service|last=Infrastructure|first=Police Information|website=police.gov.mv|language=en|access-date=2017-02-19}}</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=May 2025}}

=== Commissioners Bureau ===
* Executive Support Services
* International Relations Department
* Police Media Center
* Grievance Officer

=== Organisational Reform and Development ===
* Strategic Planning Department
* Legal Department

=== Professional Standards Command ===
* Administration Unit
* Internal Investigation Unit
* Quality Assessment and Awareness unit

=== Directorate of Intelligence ===

* Bureau of Internal Security
* Bureau of External Security
* Signals Intelligence Command
* State Political Police Command

=== Crime Investigation Command ===
* Drug Enforcement Department
* Economic Crime Department
* Family & Child Protection Department
* Major Crime Management Center
* General Investigation Department
* Anti-Human Trafficking Unit
* Victim Support Unit

=== Internal Security Command ===
* Male' City Police
* Traffic Management Department
* Industrial Security Department
* Special Operations Department
* Police Communication Center
* Major Events
* HULHUMALE POLICE

=== Divisional Operations Command ===
* NORTHERN OPERATIONS 
* Upper North Police Division
* North Police Division
* North Central Police Division
* SOUTHERN OPERATIONS
* Central Police Division
* South Central Police Division
* Upper South Police Division
* South Police Division

=== Specialist Support ===
* Forensic Services
* Information & Communication Technology Services
* Police Custodial Department
* Marine Police Department

=== Staff Welfare and Finance Management ===
* Finance and Asset Management
* Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Services
* Public Affairs Department
* Human Resource Development

=== Support Services ===
* Logistic Services
* Police Medical Services
* Uniform & Accessories Department
* Police Club
* Police Family Association
* PCCC Club

=== Training and Development ===
* National College of Policing and Law Enforcement

== Rank structure before 2020 ==
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
|- style="background-color:#CCCCCC;"
! 
! colspan=3| Commissioner
! colspan=2| Superintendent
! colspan=5| Inspector
|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan=2| {{flagdeco|Maldives}} '''Maldives Police Service'''<ref name="Maldives">{{cite web |title=Rank Insignias |url=https://www.police.gov.mv/ |website=Maldives Police Official Website |access-date=15 February 2021}}</ref>
| [[File:Commissioner of police (General MPS OF-9).png|50px]]
| [[File:Deputy Commissioner of police (Lieutenant-General MPS OF-8).png|50px]]
| [[File:Assistant Commissioner of police (Major-General MPS OF-7).png|50px]]
| [[File:Lieutenant-Colonel - Chief Superintendent of Police (MPS OF-4).png|50px]]
| [[File:Major - Superintendent of Police (MPS OF-3).png|50px]]
| [[File:Captain - Chief Inspector of Police (MPS OF-2).png|50px]]
| [[File:Lieutenant - Inspector of Police (MPS OF-1A).png|50px]]
| [[File:Second Lieutenant - Sub Inspector of Police (MPS OF-1B).png|50px]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Commissioner of police
| Deputy commissioner
| Assistant commissioner
| Chief superintendent
| Superintendent of police
| Chief inspector of police
| Inspector of police
| Sub inspector of Police
|}

{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
|- style="background-color:#CCCCCC;"
! 
! colspan=2| Station inspector
! colspan=2| Sergeant
! colspan=3| Other 
|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan=2| {{flagdeco|Maldives}} '''Maldives Police Service'''<ref name="Maldives"/>
| [[File:Warrant Officer I (Chief Station Inspector MPS OR-09).png|50px]]
| [[File:Warrant Officer II (Station Inspector MPS OR-08).png|50px]]
| [[File:Staff Sergeant (MPS OR-07).png|50px]]
| [[File:Sergeant (MPS OR-06).png|50px]]
| [[File:Corporal (MPS OR-04).png|50px]]
| [[File:Lance Corporal (MPS OR-03).png|50px]]
| No insignia
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Police chief station inspector
| Police station inspector
| Police staff sergeant
| Sergeant
| Police corporal
| Police lance corporal
| Police constable
|}

== Medals and ribbons ==
Source:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.police.gov.mv/|title=Maldives Police Service|last=Infrastructure|first=Police Information|website=police.gov.mv|language=en|access-date=2017-02-19}}</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=May 2025}}

=== Medals ===
====National Level Medals====
* Medal of Honor
* Presidential Medal
* Medal for Exceptional Bravery
* Medal for Bravery
* 3 November Medal
* Purple Heart
* Long Service Medal
* Independence 50 Medal
* Republic 50 Medal
* Tsunami Medal
====Service Level Medals====
* Distinguished Service Medal
* Police Service Medal
* Gold Life Saving Medal
* Silver Life Saving Medal
* Dedicated Service Medal
* Good Conduct Medal
* Police Medal

=== Ribbons ===
====National Level Ribbons====
* Presidential Ribbon
====Service Level Ribbons====
* Long Service Ribbon
* Ribbon of Bravery
* Dedicated Service Ribbon
* Police Service Ribbon
* Good Conduct Ribbon
* Special Duty Ribbon
* Achievement Gold Ribbon
* Achievement Silver Ribbon
* Ribbon of Skill
* Ribbon of Drill
* Ribbon OF Great Discipline

===Vehicles===
*10x [[Toyota Hilux]] {{JPN}} (Transport)
*17x [[Isuzu D-Max]] {{JPN}} (Equipment Transport)
*115x+ [[Airblade 125]] {{PHL}} (Traffic Patrol) More New Models To Be Delivered City/Some Islands
*55+ [[Mazda6]] {{JPN}} City Police
*95+ [[Suzuki GN125]] {{IND}} {{JPN}} Island Patrol
*47X [[RHIB]]
*55+ [[Speedboats]] {{MDV}} {{IND}}
*155x [[Honda CBX 350]] {{JPN}} ( Some Retired)
*25x [[Yamaha FJR1300]] {{JPN}} (For Vip Escort & Special Missions)
*35x [[BMW R1200RT]] Germany ([[Sinamalé Bridge]] Traffic And Special Escorts)
*11x [[Ford Transit]] (Forensics Missions)
*14x [[Isuzu Elf]] (Modified Especially For [[Riot Police]] )
*8x [[Honda Accord]] ( For the [[VIP]] Transport of Higher Police Officials And Families)
*2x [[Jeep Wrangler]] ( Dangerous Criminal Transport & Vip Criminal transport)
*23x [[Mitsubishi Outlander]] ( Hulhumale City Traffic Patrol 24/7)
*21x [[Polaris RZR]] ( Vilimale & Hulhumale Patrol)
*2x [[PSC patrol craft]] ( Maritime Cyclone Patrol )
*5x [[PGR patrol craft]] (Unknown)
*3x [[Gading Marine FAC PC 31]] ( Central atoll patrol)
*90+ [[DJI Mavic]] (Special Missions)

== References ==
{{More footnotes needed|date=May 2025}}{{Reflist}}

* {{cite web |url=http://www.maldiveshighcommission.org/consular-services/police-clearance-certificates |title= Police Clearance Certificate |publisher=Maldives High Commission, London |access-date=25 May 2014 }}

* {{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/maldives/ |title= The World Factbook – Maldives |publisher= Central Intelligence Agency, US |access-date=25 May 2014 }}

* {{cite web |url=http://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/Asia-South-Pacific/Maldives |title= INTERPOL Member Countries – Maldives |publisher= INTERPOL |access-date=25 May 2014 }}

* {{cite web |url=http://medianetwork.oracle.com/video/player/2549505062001 |title= Maldives Police Empowered by Exadata: The Back Story |publisher= Oracle Media Network |access-date=25 May 2014 }}

* {{cite news |url=http://maldives.usvpp.gov/pr-23jan14.html |title=US Embassy Conducts Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program for Maldivian Police Service |publisher=United States Virtual Presence Post – USVPP |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023512/http://maldives.usvpp.gov/pr-23jan14.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}

* {{cite news |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/pictures/4890 |title=80th Anniversary of Maldives Police Service |publisher=Haveeru Online |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525195230/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/pictures/4890 |archive-date=25 May 2014 |url-status=dead }}

* {{cite news |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/pictures/5201 |title=Unveiling of Police Memorial Wall |publisher=Haveeru Online |access-date=25 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525200651/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/pictures/5201 |archive-date=25 May 2014 |url-status=dead }}

== External links ==

* {{Official website|https://police.gov.mv}}
* [https://isles.edu.mv National College of Policing and Law Enforcement]

== Further reading ==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{Citation
| surname1 = [[HCP Bell|Bell]]
| given1 = HCP
| year = 1940
| title = The Maldive Islands – Monograph on the History, Archaeology and Epigraphy
| publisher = Royal Asiatic Society, Colombo
| isbn = 99915-3-051-7
}}.
* {{Citation
| surname1 = Cain
| given1 = Bruce D
| year = 2000
| title = Divehi (Maldivian): A Synchronic and Diachronic study
| publisher = PhD thesis presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School at Cornell University
}}.
* {{Citation
| surname1 = Geiger
| given1 = Wilhem
| year = 2001
| title = Maldivian Linguistic Studies
| publisher = Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, Colombo
}}.
{{refend}}
{{col-2}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{Citation
| surname1 = Reynolds
| given1 = C H B
| year = 1974
| title = Buddhism and The Maldivian Language
| publisher = in Buddhist Studies in Honour of I. B. Horner, Dordrecht
}}.
* {{Citation
| surname1 = [[Xavier Romero-Frias|Romero-Frias]]
| given1 = Xavier
| year = 1999
| title = The Maldive Islanders, A Study of the Popular Culture of an Ancient Ocean Kingdom
| publisher = Nova Ethnographia Indica, Barcelona
| isbn = 978-84-7254-801-5
}}.
{{refend}}
{{col-end}}

{{Maldives security forces}}
{{Asia topic|Law enforcement in}}

[[Category:Law enforcement in the Maldives]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 2004]]
[[Category:2004 establishments in the Maldives]]