Police beefing up security

A small batch of bullet-proof vests have started being distributed in a number of police stations, as the police beef up their security measures.

Another batch of 70 was expected to be available in a few weeks' time, Police Commissioner John Rizzo said.

The serious need for police on duty in institutions such as banks to wear bullet-proof vests was highlighted when PC Roger Debattista was killed in a hold-up at the Bank of Valletta's branch in Ta' Farsina in Qormi last November.

Mr Rizzo said that so far only 10 vests had been distributed to police stations; another 70 had been ordered and should arrive soon.

He was asked about the bullet-proof vests at a news conference given yesterday to launch the activities marking the 188th anniversary of the police corps.

During the news conference Mr Rizzo also said that a notice had appeared in the Government Gazette for new posts of police inspectors. About 18 to 20 inspectors were needed.

When asked if the existing complement of the corps was enough to deal with the situation in the country, Mr Rizzo said at the moment the force had a good complement of 1,753 members.

Another 72 recruits who had started following a course in January were also expected to start next week.

"In 1992 we had a complement of 1,850, but then the fire section was still part of the force. We also have a succession plan to replace the police who retire each year," he said.

Mr Rizzo said that a study that the force had carried out over the past 10 years showed that an average of 70 members left the force each year.

Asked if was hard to find new recruits, Mr Rizzo said they had never had any problem filling the necessary posts that the force required.

Mr Rizzo also went into how the police were working to ensure that they provided a good service in localities where masses of people gathered in the summer months.

In fact, mounted police and the dog section were patrolling the promenades in Sliema, Bugibba, Birzebbuga and Marsascala to ensure public peace.

Mr Rizzo said that a mobile police station manned by eight policemen was set up in the heart of the commercial centre in Marsascala.

"Marsascala, cannot even begin to be compared with Paceville, but in the summer months many people and youngsters gather there so we want to ensure that order is kept," he said.

Speaking of police stations Mr Rizzo said that the one in Mtarfa would we opened in the near future. The Mtarfa police station had never opened, but the force felt that this locality had grown and a police presence was important.

Mr Rizzo also said that the San Gwann police station will start being manned 24-hours a day. He added that a police station in Pietà was also in the pipeline.

Going into the programme of the anniversary activities which started yesterday, Mr Rizzo said that there would be several open days in different police stations to allow the public the chance to see how the police worked.

This year, the force would also be launching a CD with a compilation of marches by the force's own band.

The activities, which end on July 14, culminate on July 12 when the force celebrates Police Day with a parade in Valletta, a Mass celebrated by the Archbishop, Mgr Joseph Mercieca and a display by the precision drill team.

Among the highlights is an exhibition of 17 individual police members whose hobbies include painting, cardboard models and collections.

Mr Rizzo also said he had hoped to be able to inaugurate the force's new crime museum during these activities. However, its opening had to be delayed.

An open day was held throughout yesterday at the Valletta police station during which Superintendent Lino Magro and other police officers briefed visitors on the routine work which is carried out at the police station in the capital.