Eleven former police officers, including the Speaker of the House, Anġlu Farrugia, were yesterday decorated for their “long and efficient service” even though they left the force years ago.

The backdated decorations were distributed by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela. The award of medals to former officers became possible only last year following a change in police internal regulations.

Previously, only serving officers were eligible for long-term service medals.

Apolice spokesman said that former police commissioner Peter Paul Zammit had made the chamges so former officers who had provided a sterling service could be honoured.

“To receive a medal, one has to apply, even if you have left the force, and a disciplinary board will evaluate the application. Members who had a bad record or faced a number of internal charges do not receive a medal,” he added.

Dr Farrugia left the force in 1996 when he was a superintendent. He was later elected to Parliament on a Labour ticket.

As a police officer, Dr Farrugia was involved in various major investigations, including one that led to the arraignment and imprisonment of former police commissioner Lawrence Pullicino following the death of suspect Nardu Debono at the police headquarters.

Apart from former policemen, serving officers, including assistant commssioners, also received medals for long service.

Mr Abela said the government wanted to keep modernising the police force and in the last Budget introduced a lower tax rate for extra duties by policemen in order to improve their work conditions.

He praised the latest police investigations leading to the arraignment of a group of foreigners allegedly responsible for a spate of robberies in the Sliema area.

This was proof ernough that the police were doing their job. “Abroad, these gangs were never caught. It was up to our police force to do the job,” Mr Abela said.