Initial talks have been launched on the setting up of a Border Patrol Squad in Malta, and the talks are set to become more concrete with a specific plan, Home Affairs Minister Emanuel Mallia said in Parliament on Monday.
He was answering a question by opposition MP Jason Azzopardi.
Dr Mallia said the police and the army had already benefited from Border Patrol funds and bought equipment for the purpose.
It had been decided to hold annual specific training for greater coordination among the police, the armed forces and the Civil Protection Department, especially where irregular immigration was concerned. The outcome of such training would result in the maximum use of the equipment already acquired by the AFM and the police.
Dr Mallia pointed out that in the past 10 months the government had reorganised the disciplinary bodies to become more effective, following the widespread sense of demoralisation and lack of interest pervading all levels.