Police host media reception; eyes ‘new era of collaboration’

The police hosted an inaugural ‘Police-Media Reception’ on Tuesday evening, one that the law enforcement agency says marks a new era of collaboration with the press by strengthening partnerships, building trust, and promoting greater transparency.

The reception at the Iskandhar building in Male’ was held on occasion of the World Press Freedom Day celebrated on May 3 at the initiation of Deputy Commissioner of Police Ismail Naveen, who is currently serving as the acting police chief.

The reception was also attended by Deputy Commissioner of Police Farhad Fikry, executive officers, members of the Maldives Journalists Association (MJA), and heads of media outlets.

Addressing the gathering, Naveen expressed hopes the reception will help foster a spirit of greater collaboration between the police and the press to create a safer community.

He said that the reception is just the beginning, and highlighted on the need to create a space to deliver accurate information to the public and promote greater transparency.

He also spoke about the need for both the police and media to be respectful in communications.

“We don’t see this as a mere reception. This is a new initiative aimed at collaborating with the press for responsible dissemination of information, national stability, and greater public awareness,” he said.

Addressing the gathering, Ahmed Naif, the secretary at MJA, shared concerns from the press, and asked the police to share information at greater speed and work to improve the police-media partnership.

He also welcomed the police for taking the initiative to hold the reception – which the police said will be held annually.