Police officers rewarded for long service and efficiency

A Mass by the Archbishop, a parade in Valletta and a medal ceremony at the police headquarters, in Floriana, were the highlights of a programme of activities marking the 192nd anniversary of the police force yesterday.

Almost 200 medals were presented by Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg and Police Commissioner John Rizzo to corps members for "long and efficient service" on Malta Police Day.

Medals were presented to members who have served for 18, 25 and 30 years.

The recipients included Mr Rizzo himself, three assistant commissioners, five superintendents, 16 inspectors, nine sergeant majors, 40 sergeants and 123 constables.

The Malta Police Band and the Hampshire Police Band took part in the morning parade.

In a message for the occasion, Archbishop Joseph Mercieca spoke on the importance of the good formation of members of the corps based on their relationship with God and mankind. He said this was the best investment one could make in the force.

Mgr Mercieca said society expected a lot from the police who had to deal with everything that could foster hatred or trouble among mankind. An example, he said, could well be racist sentiments or tendencies.

He said police forces in many countries were increasingly having to fight wealthy criminal organisations that employed the most sophisticated systems and facilities.

The Archbishop invited all police officers to examine their conscience and ask themselves if they were really helping to foster more respect towards the corps so that citizens would feel the need to cooperate more with the police in their duties.