Prison Capacity Expansion Urged as Commissioner Warns of Space Shortage
19 ސެޕްޓެމްބަރު 2026 | ހޮނިހިރު 08:13Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer announced that while approximately 400 new cells have been developed to address overcrowding, an additional 300 spaces will be required in the near future. To manage the increasing pressure on staff caused by the rising inmate population, efforts are currently underway to recruit and train more officers. Furthermore, the Commissioner urged officers to maintain professional integrity and remain vigilant in preventing the smuggling of contraband into facilities, despite existing resource constraints.
From the graduation ceremony of the "Induction Training Program" held on Friday night for newly recruited officers of the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS). | corrections
Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer has stated that efforts are underway to expand prison capacity, warning that failure to add more than 300 beds in the near future will lead to significant challenges.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) Induction Training Program for new recruits on Friday night, the Commissioner of Prisons stated that prison officers and civil staff perform a vital and demanding national duty. He noted that while the 55-year-old service has evolved since becoming a separate entity from the Civil Service following the enactment of the 2013 legislation, the operations of the Maldives Correctional Service have yet to reach the desired level of modernization.
Commending the Institute for Correctional Studies (ICOST) for its dedicated efforts in officer training and inmate rehabilitation, the Commissioner of Prisons (CP) noted that approximately 200 officers and staff are currently enrolled in the Diploma in Correctional Management program. The Commissioner further highlighted that following the closure of Dhoonidhoo and Malé prisons, more than 520 individuals had to be admitted to other facilities before a solution could be found for the lost cell capacity. This has not only exacerbated overcrowding but has also resulted in officer-to-inmate ratios falling below legal requirements, placing an immense strain and increased workload on the existing personnel.
The Commissioner of Prisons stated that efforts to expand prison capacity have already added approximately 400 beds. However, he warned that failure to create an additional 300 spaces in the near future would lead to significant operational challenges. To address the shortage of personnel, the Commissioner noted that 10 officers have recently graduated, while a further group of recruits is currently undergoing training at Maafushi Prison.
Highlighting the courage and diligence of prison officers, the Commissioner of Prisons stated that like the military and police, Maldives Correctional Service officers are sworn to serve the nation and sacrifice their lives if necessary. He noted that despite the lack of modern resources, officers remain committed to preventing the smuggling of contraband into prisons. Furthermore, the Commissioner urged officers and staff to uphold honesty and integrity in their duties, expressing his gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
