Three Deputy Police Commissioners were officially appointed yesterday, a first for the force, which this year will be marking its 200th anniversary.

Home Affairs and National Security Minister Manuel Mallia said the decision was taken as part of a restructuring process to strengthen the force.

The deputy commissioners are Pierre Calleja, who will be responsible for crime, Andrew Seychell, who will handle international affairs, and Ray Zammit, who will be responsible for districts.

Over the past years the post of Deputy Commissioner was filled by Joe Cachia, who is now running the Police Academy.

Dr Mallia said the appointment of more assistant commissioners and superintendents would be announced in the coming weeks.

The minister refused to answer question on allegations that he was caught eavesdropping on the Opposition in Parliament last week.

His spokeswoman said the minster was “in a hurry” and did not have time to reply to any questions.

As he left the police depot an hour later, Dr Mallia was rushed into his waiting car and again refused to reply to questions on the allegations. “I’m in a hurry”, he said when asked to comment.

Contacted yesterday, Opposition Whip David Agius said the eavesdropping incident happened last week. He said that after reporting what happened to the Speaker, Dr Mallia explained that he had heard noises coming out of a room in Parliament and approached it to see what was going on.

Dr Mallia was allegedly spotted with his ears close to the door of the Opposition room.

According to Mr Agius, the minister explained that he did not realise that the room was in fact the office of the Opposition as he was still new to Parliament.