Call for more police at entertainment mecca

Police officers stationed in Paceville are not trained to deal with specific circumstances, such as fights, that arise in Malta’s main entertainment hub, according to the Labour party.

Labour spokesman for home affairs, Michael Falzon, called for more police presence in the town to serve as a deterrent and help residents and businesses feel safer.

“Police are being reactive rather than preventative... Often action is taken after something happens,” Dr Falzon said during a press conference in Swieqi, held just a few hours after an 18-year-old man was stabbed in Paceville following a fight.

Over the past few weeks the lack of police presence in Paceville has been a source of debate. Lawyer Anthony Farrugia has set up a pressure group to confront the “lawlessness in Paceville” after his son was attacked by six thugs on June 20.

Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici condemned that incident and defended the police, insisting their presence in Paceville was always stepped up ahead of summer while trying to strike a balance so as not to become a “police state”.

PL civil rights’ spokesman Evarist Bartolo yesterday said: “We do not need to become a police state.... a balance would benefit residents, entertainment establishments and language schools that all want the same thing – good public order.” He joined Dr Falzon in his call for more police presence.

Dr Falzon pointed out that the St Julians police station did not have enough staff to deal with Paceville and the neighbouring areas of Swieqi, St Julians and Pembroke. On the weekend most officers were concentrated in the heart of Paceville leaving the other areas unattended. These areas suffered from an “overspill” from Paceville and drunk youngsters often made noise while passing through and even urinated on people’s door steps.

Dr Falzon added that there were not enough women police officers in the area either.

“It is a known fact that police perceive being sent to work in Paceville as a punishment. This should change and the officers need to be motivated,” he said.

Dr Farrugia and Mr Bartolo agreed a holistic approach was required for the Paceville area.

“For example, there is only one public toilet in Paceville and, as a result, all the area becomes a public toilet to the detriment of residents and businesses,” Mr Bartolo said.

Questions sent to the police yesterday remained unanswered by the time of writing.