Policeman allegedly tries to strangle wife

Mark Spiteri

Jun 28th 2008, 01:40

Aaron a Police officer is considered to be the protector, but it doesn't mean that police officers are Super Heros. They are human beings wearing a uniform with their own private life and their own problems JUST LIKE EVERY ONE OF US.

Angelo Abela

Jun 27th 2008, 17:24

Aaron you are assuming too much with your comment.
You assume that someone with mental health problems is automatically unfit to work. This concept it extremely prejudice against people with such problems. It all depends on the type and severity of the psychiatric problem.
You assume that people are born with a mental illness. For all we know the man involved in this incident has been serving flawlessly till now and has only recently developed mental problems which are interfering with his daily functioning.
Finally you are assuming that because he was admitted to Mount Carmel it means that the individual has already been certified as being mentally ill. It is quite possible that he was admitted there to determine whether he suffers from any mental illness in the light of this incident.

Oscar Cassar

Jun 27th 2008, 15:23

In connection with the comments by Mr A de Giorgio, please note that everyone in particular extreme situations can be involved in a form or another of a crime of passion provoked by a sudden instinct and therefore most probably not originally intended. Although this act cannot be justified, I think that it is not prudent at this stage to make judgment on police duties in connection with the case or upon the individual before a court sentence is finalised.
Various studies showed that Police work is one of the most stressful as in most cases they do not find the needed support from their officials in a demanding environment. To my knowledge the Police Force still do not make use of a psychiatrist like in other countries, even for example in cases when officers are involved in shooting with firearms on duty. Therefore at this stage the subject in question should be what is the environment and support offered to our law enforcers and their families if the need arises?

Aaron de Giorgio

Jun 27th 2008, 11:49

The man was referred to Mt Carmel Hospital for assistance. Three questions immediately arise:
1. Were his superiors in the Police Force aware of any psychiatric problems which leads to the next question:
2. How was he entrusted with safeguarding justice and upholding the law and
3. Will the Police Commissioner press proceedings against him in court for attempted murder, committing a crime he is duty bound to prevent, holding a person against their will?