Following criticism over the restructuring of the police administrative framework, the Maldives Police Service has removed the word "National" from its newly rebranded intelligence department, previously named the "National Intelligence Service."
The Police Intelligence Command has updated its official website to reflect this change. According to the website, the department is now officially designated as the Intelligence Service (IS).
Rebranding Police Intelligence as “National Intelligence Service” - A Wrong Move
The Maldives Police Service's decision to rename its intelligence unit the "National Intelligence Service" is a problematic move that lacks legal grounding. Such a title implies a broad national mandate that should only be established through formal legislation and democratic oversight, rather than internal police restructuring.
The initial renaming of the police intelligence department drew criticism, most notably from former Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed. Hameed questioned the decision, noting that the term "National" implies a broader state-level mandate and argued that the police should not unilaterally adopt such a title.
"But the Maldives does not currently have national intelligence legislation that creates such a body, defines its mandate, sets its limits, or explains how it should coordinate with other institutions," he wrote.
The Maldives Police Service said the structural changes were intended to strengthen administrative operations and improve performance standards.
