The roadblocks controversy

The recent controversy about roadblocks manned by Armed Forces of Malta personnel is really interesting because there are several important issues involved in the debate on the subject.

Let me start by stating that it is unfair to criticise the soldiers involved just because they are doing the job they have been ordered to do. I am one of those who believe that uniformed personnel should be shown the utmost respect because they are carrying out jobs that are strenuous and sometimes even dangerous.

The real argument is whether ordinary citizens should be treated like common criminals in the greater interests of security and the fight against crime. We are continually being reminded that a European Court of Human Rights' judgment declared that police stop-and-search powers in the UK were illegal because they violated the individual's right to privacy. Perhaps, what we have to really evaluate is the effectiveness of roadblocks in the fight against crime, given the cost being paid by ordinary citizens such as loss of valuable time, the humiliation of searches, etc.

Having worked as an educator at Corradino Correctional Facility for 12 years, I am convinced of the futility of using roadblocks as an effective tool in the fight against crime. Indeed, I believe that Maltese soldiers can be utilised much more profitably in other tasks. Why do I say this? Because I know for a fact that most criminals are not so stupid as to risk getting caught in a roadblock with something incriminating in their possession. Who gets caught in roadblocks? Usually, youngsters using drugs as an "adventure" because of the immaturity of their age and petty criminals foolish enough to risk the chances of being stopped at checkpoints.

Perhaps somebody will enlighten me on how many drug-barons have been caught at roadblocks? Furthermore, crime is not only restricted to drug-trafficking. What about murders, thefts, fraud, abuse of minors, violent assault and other crimes, which roadblocks are impotent to try and control? The truth is that the results of roadblocks in the fight against crime are negligible and certainly not worth the amount of money paid by taxpayers to support such operations. Likewise, the harassment of ordinary citizens is uncalled for when the only results achieved are the catching of a few petty drug traffickers and people driving without a valid driving licence and vehicle insurance cover or in a drunken state.

Let me state once again that my aim is not to criticise the AFM personnel who are only carrying out orders but my criticism is aimed at who is using these soldiers in such futile operations. Thank God, this is not a country where we have to deal with daily acts of terrorism or the ever-present threat of such acts. This is not Iraq or Israel. I remember that when I was in Israel on a course in 1998, a member of the Israeli Education Ministry told me how envious they were of countries like Malta where everything was tranquil and people could go about their daily lives without the daily fear of being the victim of a terrorist act. I wonder what my Israeli friend would say today if he came to our country and was stopped at a checkpoint by Maltese soldiers!

I am also against the suggestion that the police should be used instead of AFM personnel at roadblocks. The whole issue does not revolve around the argument of who should man the roadblocks. The crux of the argument is the fact that mounting roadblocks is not worth it because it causes a lot of frustration for ordinary citizens, costs a lot of money for the state and the results achieved are negligible in the fight against crime.

As to the allegations that AFM personnel are sometimes arrogant and rude, while I am not in a position to verify or contradict the veracity of such allegations, it is important to state that the atmosphere at a checkpoint is always tense. Having worked closely for many years with members of a disciplined corps, I can understand that several civilians can mistake the strict discipline and "no nonsense" way of operating of a disciplined corps for arrogance. This is because they are not used to working under the constraints experienced by members of a disciplined corps. In situations of potential danger, it is perhaps too much to expect kid-glove treatment at the hands of those manning the roadblocks.

This, of course, does not mean that ordinary citizens can be treated in an arrogant, rude or high-handed manner. That is totally unacceptable in a democratic country. Citizens should be treated with dignity and respect. However, the best solution would be to abolish roadblocks once and for all.