In a very recent chat conversation that I had with one of my fellow colleagues at Maldives Police Service (MPS), I was called a cynic. He had this reaction when I started discussing the progress about the auditing currently being conducted at MPS. The reason why he called me a cynic remains unclear but something clear is that his reaction was based on a notion that’s within the circles of MPS. I am least bothered about what others think of me, rather more worried about how best policing could be done in the tiny island nation. Policing that is in the interest of public safety and national security.

I agree I am being critical of policies and practices of MPS and more recently have been using this platform to address controversial issues. The reasons are fundamental. People at MPS need to take this criticism or ‘cynicism’ positively as it is in the best interest of making people within and at the receiving end aware. Awareness that is crucial for prepping up for a democratic policing set up. The nation is on the brink of democratization and the law enforcement functioning have been questioned constantly by many stake holders. It is time we become more open and accountable to the people we serve.