Letters to the printed media, telephone calls to the sound and vision media, all indicate that citizens are taking an increasingly closer interest in the organisation of the Malta Police Force and its action in the daily life of Maltese society.

At the same time, the police react to these comments on very rare occasions and readers, listeners and televiewers may get the impression that the police do not always have answers. An interview with Police Commissioner John Rizzo dispels that idea and, at the same time, serves for the public and the police association to make their suggestions to the everyday realities in the life of the force as expressed by its chief.

This is what Mr Rizzo had to say (in question and answer format):

How did the quality of the Malta police evolve?

There has been a big change in the structure of work of the force as a result of changes in society, including the evolution of crime. The public has become more demanding of the force and we have reacted by adapting to its needs as is our duty. We now give more importance to prevention. We try to influence laws, not just apply them, for example in the case of noise pollution.

What type of person is the force attracting?

Today, a more intelligent type of person is attracted to the force. Before, the emphasis was mostly on the employment of big boys.

In what way does the higher education of the Maltese police officer now affect his work?

The public today is more educated and, consequently, the members of the police must be more educated. Even promotions within the force take education into consideration. This is part of meritocracy.

Is there a correlation between a more educated police officer and good working conditions?

Today’s police officer is closer to the public and considers reassurance as part of both public and police satisfaction. Yes, I believe that a better police officer deserves good working conditions. I do my best in this regard but it does not depend on me alone.

There have been suggestions such as to have in-house psychological assistance in particularly stressful situations.

This already exists in the force. We have an agreement with Caritas whereby police officers with some kind of stress problems can receive help free of charge.

Another suggestion is for a more justly organised shift allowance.

I have inherited a corps where shifts were not well organised. There were spans of continuous work of 96 hours and others of much less. Now nobody has a span of more than 46 hours. There is a better rest period. Training is done during working hours not while on leave. Contrary to the previous shift system, nowadays police officers know well in advance the place and the time of their tour of duty. They are posted in the same area to know and be on good terms with their community.

What about the possibility of the use of air conditioners in police cars in summer?

Closed windows due to air conditioning prevent the officers inside from hearing problems outside.

Can you consider the non-obligatory wearing of caps in police cars as this may lead to neck injury?

I am not aware of police injuries as a result of wearing the cap inside their car and damaging their neck when hitting the car ceiling. I am six foot three and this has never happened to me. The smart police image of wearing a cap is important.

Over the years we have seen an increased size of towns and villages. Has this resulted in more police stations?

There are today more police stations and the force has increased by 500 officers since 1976.

Are there larger and better-equipped police stations?

We strive to develop police stations according to the needs of the locality because we believe that this is to the satisfaction of the officers and the public.

Has there been an increased number of police officers in high-stress stations?

During the tourist seasons, Malta’s population increases considerably, especially in certain areas. We take problems of specific areas into consideration in police deployment.

Does the force have a bigger fleet of vehicles?

We regularly buy cars for the force and dispose of the very old ones. We do our best to keep our vehicles in good order.

Are refurbishment initiatives regularly undertaken by the police administration in town and village police stations?

To start with, we have greatly improved the police headquarters. Also, refurbishment is carried out in all police stations regularly.

I have written an article in the police magazine titled Il-Pulizija tal-Prossimità proposing a greater mixing of police and public…

I am in favour of this kind of thing. Hopefully, it would lead to a more genuine treatment of the police by the media.

Are you in favour of meetings between the police and the public?

Meetings between the police and local councils are organised every month. Separate meetings are also held involving specific police units like the drug squad etc. The police visit schools, participate in TV and radio programmes and also accept to discuss issues during meetings in halls with residents.

Do you see the Malta Police Association as helpful to the efficiency of the police force?

I have myself stimulated this association in becoming more active. I believe in the positive work of this association and I am always ready to discuss improvements with it.

Do you agree with the evolution of the Malta Police Association into a union?

I have nothing against the possibility of police officers belonging to a trade union provided this would be a house union without the right to strike.

What are the study opportunities police officers have for personal improvement?

The police have various study opportunities including in-service courses, courses abroad, Malta University courses paid by the corps etc. Promotions at the police corps are tied to officers’ qualifications.

How important is the cooperation of language interpreters with the police?

The police force already includes a number of language experts. We often need help from outside. I do agree that interpreters should have an organised structure.

Would you prefer to see a Justice Ministry separate from a Ministry for Home Affairs?

I prefer not to answer this question as it is of a political nature.

At the end of the interview, Mr Rizzo showed me photos of the police headquarters several years ago. He then took me round the building where I could see attractive halls, lecture rooms etc. Mr Rizzo praised police officers who had done this work themselves – including decorative works of art and craft.