I refer to the editorial of November 13 entitled The Armed Forces of Malta.

To begin with, I would like to express my satisfaction that finally, the AFM personnel have received a much awaited pay rise. However, I find the editor's comparisons of the AFM to the Malta Police Force somewhat offensive. Though both are involved in providing security, in some way or another, to our state, both forces have totally different roles and duties, and thus I find the lack of mention of the duties carried out by members of the police force rather unfair.

Without going into the numerous tasks performed by the police amongst which are the prevention and investigation of crimes, and the subsequent arraignment of culprits in court, it is pertinent to dwell on certain issues mentioned in the course of the editorial which may have given the impression that while the AFM is bent backwards trying to cope, the Police Force is sitting pretty.

The editorial particularly focused on the subject of illegal immigrants. It is vital to mention that after having been saved or "rounded up" by the AFM, it is the police that carry out preliminary investigations - interviewing, photographing and taking fingerprints of the illegal immigrants. The data collected by the police has to be inputted into a system for use by European police forces. Additionally, the police perform guard duties with illegal immigrants retained in hospital for further treatment irrespective of whether the immigrant hails from a centre being run by the police or the army. That's apart from having the responsibility to guard the detention centres at Ta' Kandja and Hal Far and until last year another detention centre at the police GHQ housing more than 150 illegal immigrants.

With regard to CHOGM and the delivery of the euro coins, the wrong impression was once again given. During CHOGM a substantial number of policemen were required to perform duties of security officers (bodyguards) to the visiting VIPs. I can witness all this since I was a liaison officer myself with the President of Uganda. In addition to this, they were required to "guard" the numerous venues and hotels in which the VIPs were residing. The whole security operation was entrusted to the police and coordinated from the police HQ in collaboration with representatives from the AFM, CPD etc.

As regards the delivery of the euro coins, I am informed that all security operations were coordinated from Police HQ. The police Special Assignment Group, Mobile Squad and the CID personnel in fact were also involved in the distribution of the notes and coins. In both mentioned instances, both the police and army worked hand in hand in providing a professional and sterling service to the public.

I would appreciate if we all show gratitude towards the dedication and professional work done by our police force to safeguard our interests as well of our country.