The Maldives Police Service will introduce a Drone as First Responder service next year to modernise policing through advanced technology, Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan has announced.

Speaking at the official ceremony to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the Maldives Police Service on Sunday, Minister Ihusaan said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has prioritised the adoption of modern technology to strengthen policing and enhance service delivery.

He said drones will be deployed as first responders during emergencies, enabling faster situational assessments and improving response times.

The minister also announced plans to upgrade the Police Command and Control Centre, including enhancements to the 911 Emergency Response Centre. The upgrades will include next-generation call-handling equipment, real-time caller location capabilities, and a system allowing officers to access live feeds from police surveillance cameras.

Minister Ihusaan added that work has already begun on establishing a state-of-the-art data centre to support the police service's expanding digital infrastructure.

He said the technological upgrades are expected to significantly strengthen emergency response capabilities, enhance public safety and further improve the standard of police services across the Maldives.