Commissioner of Prisons Hassan Zareer has said that maintaining security is one of the most important things for a country to survive as a nation. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the 30th Basic Training Course of Corrections, the Commissioner of Prisons said that a country without peace and order is like ashes that have been burnt and turned to dust.
He noted in his speech that such scenes are visible throughout the world today, and that in the 21st century, we are living with security challenges. “Among these, we are a country with limited resources but where security is very important. As it happens, our sea border is very open. From that sea border to these prisons, people who have committed various types of crimes are coming. Tonight, you children should make it your resolve to use what you have learned here. With faith, honesty, patriotism, and loyalty,” said CP Zareer.
Highlighting that maintaining prison security is not a small task, the CP said that there are currently 996 people in prisons as inmates. Addressing the 33 students who graduated from the basic training course, the CP also said that there should be no opportunity given for bribery or bringing prohibited items into prison cells. He also reiterated the responsibilities and duties placed on the shoulders of the students. The CP said that results can only be achieved by working with honesty and sincerity.
“Students, you have completed a great hope of your parents. Even with the big changes coming to the times, your parents have taught you good morals, faith, and completeness. You are entering the field of work,” said CP Zareer. He noted that from tomorrow, the students will be carrying a national duty in maintaining the security matters of the country’s prisons. The CP stated that the over 700 officers working in prisons are national heroes who are in the field of work 24 hours a day, and that none of these officers would back down in any situation that arises.
He also acknowledged the hard work of the trainers who worked tirelessly to teach the students during the course, saying it is work that will always be remembered, and expressed his gratitude to them. The Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) started the 12th batch of the ‘Custodial Management and Security’ program at Maafushi Prison on November 16 of last year. This is a mandatory course that every prison officer must complete. This program is a course run by the Institute for Correctional Studies (ICOST) to educate Prison Officers joining the Maldives Correctional Service to the level of working in prisons, familiarize them with the work environment, and train them. It also aims to make these officers morally upright, qualified individuals and to strengthen prison affairs and make them educated youth.
This training program, designed with eight modules, includes physical training, leadership classes, ethics, laws and regulations, as well as modules related to the work of prison officers. The training program was taught by trainers from the Institute for Correctional Studies (ICOST) and technical staff from MCS.
