ISLES degree program begins today

An undergraduate degree program, the first of its kind in the Maldives, aimed at people working in the fields of security and law enforcement has commenced today.

The program is being conducted by the Institute for Security and Law Enforcement Studies (ISLES) in conjunction with the University of Western Sydney (UWS). Formerly the Police Academy, ISLES was given the status of an Institute in June 2012.

Fifty seven percent of the participants of the new program consist of policemen. The remaining forty seven percent of students belonged to persons working in Customs, Department of Immigration, Department of Penitentiary and Rehabilitation Services (DPRS), the military ,and others working in security and law enforcement fields.

Speaking at an event held in Iskandhar Koshi today, Commissioner of Police Abdulla Riyaz said that Maldives police now have the capability to train their personnel to the same level as other institutions around the region. He said that the previous three years had been stagnant after the police academy was brought to a standstill.

Commissioner said that his foremost priority after assuming office in 2012 was to facilitate the trainings and experiences needed for the police to conduct themselves professionally.

He said that the police programs are up to par with international standards and said that they are now recognized globally. He said that ISLES will continue certificate level courses in the future.

Students enrolled in the newly commenced program will have access to University of Western Sydney Research E-Library facilities. Lecturers from both the UWS and the Maldives will be facilitating the program.