Former Police Commissioner Hamid Criticizes Renaming of Police Intelligence Department

Former Police Commissioner Mohamed Hameed has strongly criticized the decision to add the term “National” to the name of the Maldives Police Service’s Intelligence Department, describing it as a flawed decision with potential legal and institutional consequences.

In an article published on his blog, Hameed argued that the names of security institutions are not merely administrative labels but symbols that reflect an agency’s authority, mandate, and legal foundation. He warned that using a title without a clear legal basis could create confusion both domestically and in international engagements.

Hameed emphasized that establishing a “national” intelligence agency cannot be achieved through an internal administrative decision within the police service. Instead, he said such a body would require a specific legal framework enacted through legislation.

According to Hameed, the move has already sparked significant debate in political and administrative circles regarding its implications for national security structures and legal governance.

He also expressed concern about the potential impact on coordination among agencies involved in national security. Hameed noted that, in addition to the police, institutions such as the Maldives National Defence Force, Customs, and Immigration all collect intelligence relevant to national security. Granting one institution the “National” designation, he argued, could create misunderstandings regarding authority and responsibilities and potentially weaken inter-agency coordination.

“The credibility of intelligence is built not on grand titles, but on professional work carried out within a sound legal framework,” Hameed wrote.

He further stated that strengthening institutions requires legal authority, professionalism, and effective performance rather than adopting larger or more prestigious names.

The decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, with concerns raised about its implications for the police service and the broader national security framework. However, the Maldives Police Service has not yet issued an official statement explaining the rationale behind the name change.