Editorial

In a leader last Friday, The Times took the liberty to speak on behalf of society by concluding that the public appreciates the dedication and generous commitment of the custodians of its protection, security and peaceful existence.

Such appreciation and admiration can only become more pronounced when learning, as was the case on Monday, about the valiant acts performed by police officers both on and off duty. This proves that once a policeman always a policeman and that applies both to the big majority of conscientious officers and to the few bad elements. Police officers can be a credit or disgrace to the force both on and off duty.

In a ceremony on Monday forming part of the programme of activities marking the 196th anniversary of the force, 75 police officers were awarded medals and clasps for long and efficient service. Eight members who retired were given certificates after serving for a minimum of 25 years. A number of others received merit certificates for either their contribution or for not taking sick leave for a substantial period of time. Two sergeants and 11 constables were formally commended for acts of bravery. In a list published by the force, two constables were singled out for their bravery: the two mobile squad officers engaged in a shootout with criminals who unsuccessfully raided the HSBC headquarters in Qormi two weeks ago.

Although giving details of the particular circumstances, the Police Force opted not to mention any names. If this was done on the specific request of the individual officers, then so be it. Their wish ought to be respected. However, if this was the result of some policy, then the force ought to explain what lies behind it.

Senior police officers have not been too pleased that the press published the names of the two mobile squad officers when two suspects were arraigned and charged with their attempted murder.

Of course, the names featured on the charge sheet, a public document prepared by the police themselves, and the two officers will, at some stage, have to appear in court and testify.

As things turned out, it may well be that the two valiant mobile squad officers not only disrupted what could have been the theft of the decade but also single-handedly led to the arrest of a number of suspects. Admittedly, this exposes them to danger but, surely, the Police Force can afford its own more concrete protection than merely keeping names under wraps.

Unfortunately, as The Times has had occasion to point out in the past, the Police Force has quite a bad track record in terms of media and community relations.

It has constantly failed to spot those opportunities where it could secure ever more cooperation by the public and, more so, to "use" the media to its advantage.

One can only wonder how many of the more senior and more influential officers within the force are media savvy. How often do they meet journalists to have frank exchanges with them? Does the curriculum of the Police Academy include press-police relations and, if so, who delivers the lectures and what do these consist of?

Society is proud of its Police Force. Things can only improve if the force communicates better with the public both directly and through the media.