Police Report: Between Transformations, Achievements, and Challenges
Title: Police Report: Between Transformations, Achievements, and Challenges
Rampersad Sooroojebally, CP: "Uncompromising Transparency and Unwavering Commitment are Essential to Gain the Community's Trust"
Content: A year after Commissioner Rampersad Sooroojebally took office, the Mauritius Police Force showcases its ambition for modernization and closer ties with the public. In a document titled "The Police Commissioner’s Insight," published in December 2025, the police chief reviews the reforms undertaken and outlines the contours of a transforming institution.
Restoring Trust, Starting from Within
The commissioner’s priority has been clear since his arrival: to restore motivation and recognition to law enforcement officers who had been lacking these. Several concrete measures have been implemented to achieve this.
A promotion exercise based on seniority has allowed for the valuing of the experience of the most dedicated officers. A new geographical assignment policy now aims to place police officers closer to their homes, within a 20-kilometer radius when feasible. The goal: to reduce commuting fatigue and foster a better work-life balance.
However, it is the reform of the shift system that marks a turning point. Since April 14, 2025, alternating service officers now work 40 hours a week instead of 48. This measure, successfully tested in several pilot units, provides more rest time between shifts, including a free night after each rotation. A significant change contributing to the well-being of personnel and, indirectly, to operational efficiency.
A Comprehensive Restructuring
Beyond working conditions, the entire police architecture has been rethought. The commissioner made the radical decision to dissolve certain units that had become sources of internal rivalry, particularly in the fight against drugs. The Special Striking Team, the Special Intelligence Cell, and the Crime Intelligence Unit have thus been disbanded, ending overlapping competencies and unproductive competition.
The Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) has been completely reorganized, with a strengthened procedural framework and increased attention to adherence to protocols. A stricter control of "rewards" paid to informants has also been established to ensure transparency.
In the same spirit of optimization, the Divisional Supporting Unit and the Tourism Police have been merged with the Emergency Response Service. This integration aims to improve responsiveness and coordination on the ground, allowing for more flexible resource deployment.
Another structural innovation: the assignment of two deputy commissioners in major police divisions, thereby enhancing oversight and supervision of local operations. Concurrently, Crime Prevention Units have been decentralized across all divisions, bringing prevention initiatives closer to the public. Psychologists have also been deployed on the ground to support officers in their daily environment.
Towards Strengthened Community Policing
The crime reduction strategy now relies on two pillars: strengthening the bond with the community and detailed analysis of crime data. The Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and community policing, although already existing, have been revitalized. Crime Prevention Units now provide training for post officers and neighborhood officers, who receive more rigorous follow-up.
Some police stations covering vast areas now have several neighborhood officers, allowing for increased presence and quicker responses to citizens' concerns. This approach is accompanied by a shift towards a results-oriented police force, where Divisional Crime Intelligence Units are equipped with increased resources for fieldwork and strategic analysis.
Major Events Managed Professionally
The year 2025 tested the operational capabilities of the Mauritian police. National Day celebrations, marked by the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as guest of honor, required a large-scale security deployment. Municipal elections, a cornerstone of the democratic process, were conducted peacefully thanks to a well-managed police presence.
The island also hosted the African Maritime Forces Summit 2025, a high-level gathering organized by U.S. authorities, which demanded complex coordination and strict security measures. Not to mention the numerous religious and cultural festivities that punctuate the Mauritian year, all secured without major incidents.
Ongoing Challenges: Drugs, Cybercrime, and Road Safety
The commissioner’s report does not obscure the threats facing Mauritian society. Cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids, and heroin remain the most consumed substances. The World Drug Report 2025 warns about the emergence of new synthetic drugs like Nitazenes and Fentanyl, which the police are closely monitoring for potential introduction into the local market.
Connections with Thailand for cannabis imports are increasing, while "go-fast" operations from Réunion and Madagascar, using fast boats, are on the rise. The ADSU remains the primary enforcement body, continually strengthening its capabilities and cooperation with international partners.
On the digital front, the Cybercrime Unit is facing a surge in online scams: fake shops on social media, romance scams leading to extortion, revenge pornography, and cryptocurrency investment fraud. The police urge vigilance and recommend basic measures: do not share sensitive information, refuse friend requests from strangers, do not click on suspicious links, and check thoroughly before any investment.
Road safety remains a major concern. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable, while aggressive driving increases during peak hours. Drunk driving on weekends, combined with the growing saturation of the road network, exacerbates the situation. Speeding, driving under the influence, failure to adhere to traffic laws, and phone-related distractions are among the main causes of fatal accidents.
In response, the police have intensified law enforcement operations 24/7, in three daily shifts. Awareness campaigns target vulnerable groups, including schoolchildren, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. Rehabilitation courses for revoked drivers are offered in collaboration with the Mauritius Institute of Training and Development.
Domestic Violence: A Persistent Scourge
Protecting families and children is among the top priorities. Domestic violence, influenced by economic and psychological factors, substance dependence, or family tensions exacerbated by social media, continues to affect many households. Women are the primary victims, but children and the elderly also suffer the consequences of this violence.
The financial exploitation of the elderly by their relatives and child abuse in violent households are increasing phenomena. The Family Protection Brigade (BPF) plays a central role in supporting victims: investigations conducted in a child-friendly environment, psychological support, assistance in obtaining protection orders, and secure housing in severe cases.
Awareness campaigns are conducted in public and private institutions, while agent training now includes a module on gender-based violence. The BPF collaborates closely with ministries, social services, NGOs, and the Child Ombudsperson.
Looking to the Future: Legislative Reforms and Strategic Plan
Two major projects are shaping the future of the Mauritian police. The National Policing Strategic Framework is being revamped to become a genuine strategic plan. It will emphasize community policing, respect for human rights, human resource development, and an intelligence-based approach.
At the same time, the Police and Criminal Justice Bill, currently in the legislative consultation phase, promises to profoundly transform police procedures. This text will establish a comprehensive legal framework governing police powers, investigations, and individual rights, promoting transparency and increased accountability.
To support these transformations, a deputy commissioner has been tasked with creating a human resources department and developing a comprehensive development plan. The goal: to build a competent, disciplined police force that is forward-looking and capable of meeting the growing expectations of the public.
An Invitation to Dialogue
In his conclusion, Commissioner Sooroojebally reminds us that the effectiveness of the police depends not only on its means but also on public trust. He invites Mauritians to engage, share their observations, and work together with law enforcement to build a safer nation.
After a year of ambitious reforms, the Mauritius Police Force appears to have turned a corner towards modernization. It remains to be seen whether these structural transformations will translate into lasting change in the daily lives of citizens and in their perception of their police force. The challenge has been set, and the coming years will be crucial.