President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, speaking at the ‎function to mark the 81st anniversary of the Maldives Police Service, has ‎called on the public to show appreciation for the services of Maldivian ‎Police. He also urged the Government institutions to support and cooperate ‎with the police.‎

‎At the ceremony held last evening at Iskandhar Koshi, President ‎Yameen emphasized the ‎important national duty carried by the ‎Police in ‎enforcement of law, reduction of crimes, promotion of fundamental rights ‎of people and protection of their lives and property.‎

Continuing in this regard, President Yameen called upon the ‎Parliament to pass the legislations necessary ‎for police to better strengthen ‎their service. Highlighting that it was the Government’s hope to make the ‎Police more responsible and professional, the President spoke on the ‎importance of ‎receiving criticism ‎for the institution to prosper.‎

At last night’s function, a minute of silence was observed in the ‎memory of police officers ‎who lost their lives while on duty. The President ‎launched the Crime Statistics Report of the Police Service for 2013 and the ‎annual edition of ‘Police Life’. He presented tokens of appreciation to ‎members of the public for ‎their assistance and support for the Maldives ‎Police Service during the past ‎year.‎ The President also conferred colours ‎and medals on Police officers.‎

At the function, Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Umar Naseer ‎presented commemorative plaques to Police Officers who have served for ‎over 25 years. ‎