Just a few days ago, the Malta Police Force, the Security Services and the Armed Forces of Malta carried out a successful security operation after weeks of investigation into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia. During this operation, 10 persons were arrested and three arraigned in court.
This positive operation was due to the continuous hard work and rigorous efforts led by the Malta Police Force. The expertise of the FBI, Europol and the National Investigations Bureau of Finland and Dutch Scene of the Crime personnel was useful in assisting the Malta Police Force. Each member and official operated in silence, in spite of weeks of harsh and unjustified criticism. Nonetheless, their silence has resulted in a very positive outcome.
I have praised their work on various occasions and once again I thank them for their endless work and sacrifices in doing their utmost to keep our country safe and secure. Such praise came also from numerous dignitaries during Malta’s presidency of the European Union and the June general election.
During a press conference in Marsa, I made it amply clear that law and order will feature higher in next year’s government agenda.
I cannot stress enough that certain attitudes and behaviours are simply not acceptable and not tolerated. Every person living in Malta must abide by our national law. Although the Rapid Intervention Unit is continuously patrolling hotspots, some residents are still having concerns over certain behaviour.
Law enforcement and police presence will be significantly enhanced, especially in certain localities, to ensure confidence and ease of mind. It is not being excluded that the Armed Forces of Malta, if asked to, will assist in patrolling hotspots.
The Marsa police station will be open 24 hours a day and eventually have a resident inspector stationed there. Complementing this is a new by-law by the Marsa local council banning alcohol consumption on the streets. There will also be discussions on the possibility of installing CCTV cameras in certain hotspot areas to establish the right balance between security and data protection.
The police have the duty to protect the public, but in return, the public must protect them
Recent police raids in localities such as Marsa and Ħamrun proved to be very fruitful. The police drug squad, the immigration section, the Rapid Intervention Unit and the district police are conducting several inspections and raids to enhance law and order in these localities.
During such raids, the police made drug-related arrests of three Maltese men and two foreigners. Inspections also included the verification of documents to ensure that the persons were living in Malta legally and the detection of false documents. The police are now processing these documents to check their validity. Such raids are scheduled to continue in the coming days and in the future.
Yesterday, 96 recruits graduated and took their oath of service. They will now be stationed at police stations around the islands to strengthen enforcement in district localities and at specialised units. This number will surely beef up the Malta Police Force. However, there is always a constant need for more persons to join the force to make up for the existing vacant roles and to replace outgoing officers.
Besides recruiting more police officers to the force, a solution to the problem is the civilianisation of certain non-policing jobs which today are performed by police officers.
From next year, the plan is to recruit more police constables. At such, the recruitment process for police constables will be issued twice a year. In the near future there are plans to strengthen the economic crime unit, cybercrime unit, forensic section, Rapid Intervention Unit and the Special Operational Unit.
Investing in training for police officers in several areas also forms part of the police reform. For this reason, a plan is being drafted to have regular training sessions.
Talks are ongoing with the Commissioner of Police, the CEO and other officials, the Malta Police Association, the Police Officers Union and the other ministries to reach a sectoral agreement that befits the force.
The police have the duty to protect the public, but in return, the public must protect them. I will not allow anyone to hurt the officers in any way. We have noticed an increase of physical attacks on police officers in their line of duty.
It is my commitment to hold talks with relevant parties to change the current law so that harsher penalties will be imposed on those who commit such acts.
I would like to conclude by thanking every member of the disciplined forces for their service.
Dr Michael Farrugia is the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security.