The People’s Majlis committee is to complete all work related to the Police Service Bill, by July 15.

The committee on national security services made the announcement at a press conference held on Wednesday.

Noting that the committee is currently working on the bill, its chair and the MP for North-Hithadhoo constituency Mohamed Aslam said that they have decided to complete all required work by July 15. He added that they have planned on how the work will proceed, including forming a sub-committee.

MP Aslam stressed that the bill is now open for public opinion, adding that they have begun discussions with the relevant institutions as well.

As such, the committee is to meet with 25 institutions in regards to the Police Service Bill in the next 10 days.

Further noting the police’s role in the state, Aslam said that the bill includes several rights related to officers. He added that it will also strengthen efforts to hold the institution accountable.

While the government endorsed bill was submitted to parliament by West-Henveiru constituency MP Hassan Latheef, he said that its purpose is to establish a modern policing system in the country.

Further noting that the bill will bring changes to the police’s organizational structure, Latheef said that their services will be decentralized following ratification of the bill.

The Police Service Bill was accepted by parliament on June 16, the purpose of the bill is to ensure that police work is conducted within the constitution and legal limits in a manner that respects human rights and rule of law.

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

Maldives Police Service said that the bill “is expected to strongly contribute to achieving a holistic policing reform and execute the goals of MPS strategic plan 2019-2024”, while Police Commissioner Mohamed Hameed stated that the Police Service Bill “is indicative of the appetite for reforming, democratizing and modernizing the Police Service”.