The People’s Majlis has accepted the Police Service bill.

During Tuesday’s parliament sitting, 71 members voted in favor of passing the bill and it has since been forwarded to the Committee on National Security Services for review.

The purpose of the bill is to ensure police operations and services are provided in accordance with the Maldives constitution, human rights and constitutional conventions.

The motion further seeks to replace the Police Act (5/2008) and introduce new protocols, guidelines for their operations as well as duties and responsibilities of the officers.

According to the bill, the special features of police are based around national security and focuses on nationwide services. The bill notes that police services must also be decentralized and carries out administrative operations nationwide.

Parliament has accepted the bill at a time police have been on the receiving end of public criticism due to misconduct. A number of people accuse officers of being oppressive and using uncalled-for force when handling civilians. The people have also alleged officers of being involved in a number of misconducts carried out by the previous administration of now incarcerated, former president Abdulla Yameen.

During the previous administration, a number of opposition political leaders and hundreds of civilians were put behind bars, under false allegations.

Jailed ex-president Yameen has also revealed that police played a major role in the biggest case of graft recorded in the country’s history, involving the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation. Yameen accused the institution of corrupt practices.