The Malta Police could hardly have marked their 200th anniversary in worse circumstances.
A change at the top twice in the space of five months, a shooting incident involving an officer doubling as driver to the former home affairs minister and, now, the story of a police sergeant who allegedly threatened a person who photographed him in a lap dance club can surely not be considered as icing on an anniversary cake.
The police force deserves better considering the manner in which it has been serving society since it was formally set up in its current form on July 1, 1814. That is not to say there have not been serious blots throughout the past two centuries, even at the helm.
However, more recently – and not just since March 2013 – the corps has been sliding down a slippery slope which the powers-that-be were either unable or unwilling to halt.
This being such a highly politicised country, the history of the police force is dotted – or, rather, blotted – with instances of appeasing political masters, culminating in the terrible late 1970s and 1980s when officers aided and abetted political thugs and, worse, became agents of violence themselves.
The force suffered a devastating blow when a police commissioner was jailed for complicity in the 1980 death of a suspect who ‘disappeared’ while being questioned at the headquarters.
Following a change of government in 1987, expectations were high that the force would get the long-needed clean-up. Yet, some officers who had been found guilty of human rights violation were promoted rather than dismissed.
The force still continued to have its fair share of problems when a sex scandal forced a police commissioner to step down in 2001.
Over the years, the highest political authorities spoke of the need to have a well-functioning and disciplined force but, on the ground, there was very little substance and no real robust concrete action was taken.
The end result is there for everyone to see: a corps that lacks public trust and where the many members loyal to their oath of office are disillusioned as they see bad apples get away with murder.
New Police Commissioner Michael Cassar has quite a challenge.
It is so easy to talk in terms reforming the force but oh so difficult actually getting down to do it, especially if the bare necessities are lacking and when certain police officers wantonly abuse their power.
These could range from having the right complement – and the keyword here is ‘right’ – to ensuring that politicians are not only kept at arm’s length but give full freedom to the policeto function.
At this delicate point in the force’s life, it would not be amiss to put forward some suggestions like, for example, revising the manner in which the police commissioner is appointed.
Should we consider the appointment being made by Parliament, as in the case of the Ombudsman and the National Auditor?
Should there be an overseeing authority that is chaired by the President? And should the President choose members of such an authority? Should this body take over the role currently played by the Police Board?
Does the country need to invest more in the police force?
Mr Cassar needs all the help he can get so the force can turn a new leaf and convince people it fully deserves their trust.