Hameed retires from post of Police Commissioner

Mohamed Hameed has retired from his position as Commissioner of Police.

Minister of Home Affairs Sheikh Imran Abdulla attended the retirement ceremony held at Iskandar Building on Wednesday, as the Chief Guest.

The ceremony was attended by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner of Police Abdul Mannan Yoosuf, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ali Rasheed, foreign diplomats residing in the Maldives, the United States Representative in the Maldives, representatives of law enforcement security forces of foreign countries, executive officers of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and family members of the police commissioner.

Taking the podium at the event, Minister Imran highlighted that during the police commissioner’s tenure, the country observed his resilient hard work with the quality of services that are accepted, believed and trusted particularly when it comes to police institutions around the globe, especially Interpol intelligence.

The minister went on to note that it was very committed and heroic efforts to lead the MPS and prepare the people for the second generation.

Minister Imran applauded the commissioner’s resilient work to open the Police Academy, also known as the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement, define a syllabus, system and structure and designating it as an independent body of the police institution.

In conclusion, the minister noted that it the police institution is able to keep standing upright and progress properly on the current foundation without any hindrances or reluctances, it will become the kind of service the people require and want.

CP Hameed also spoke at the ceremony, expressing gratitude to everyone who helped him at different levels in multiple tasks during his time as a police officer. Among them were his family members, the home minister, deputy commissioner and Inspector of Police Ali Shaazlee.

Highlighting that he has worked with people from different walks of life from the time he first began his career in the police service, till date, CP Hameed stated that each police officer did their work with courage and determination.

He went on to urge the police officers to ensure that the dignity of the institution is shouldered by every employee, at a time he is retiring from the service which he holds close to his heart.

Hameed added that he would always be on the forefront of the police institution’s efforts to make the Maldives a crime-free, safe and secure place for its citizens.

During the ceremony, the Commissioner of Police was presented with a plaque of honor and a retirement card. The police flag was also hoisted in his honor.

The plaque of honor is presented by MPS to commissioners who retire with distinction. The plaque features colors, medals and items included in the commissioner’s uniform, as well as a card indicating that he is a policeman.

Further, a video presentation highlighting the valuable contributions made by CP Hameed to the police institution, and interviews with various foreign personalities, his family members who worked closely with the MPS and employees of the police institution, were featured, showing their perceptions and thoughts about his work.

CP Hameed announced his decision to retire from his position, in mid-October, on an online platform that includes a large number of police personnel.

Shedding light on his appointment to the post back in 2018, in his message the police commissioner said that when he assumed office, the police institution was on a downward spiral, adding that several efforts were made to unite the senior police officers.

After successful efforts to brush aside personal issues within the institution, CP Hameed revealed that he had ensured that the MPS became a more inclusive and acceptable institution to the general public, which served to meet the demands of the public.

The commissioner of police expressed gratitude to all the individuals who cooperated with him and worked together for the development of the police institution, over the past five years.

CP Hameed served as Chief Superintendent of Police and Head of Police Intelligence during the former administration of Dr. Mohamed Waheed.

He was sacked in August 2012 under allegations of leaking classified information. However, during December 2018, the Supreme Court had ruled that Hameed was wrongly dismissed and ordered for him to be reinstated.

Hameed was reinstated not long after, on 4 December 2018.

The police commissioner was given the post under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s leadership, on 12 December 2018. He was officially appointed to the post on 26 March 2019.