Political influence within the police force is very big, hinders investigations – Inspector Sandro Camilleri

According to the President of the police union, Inspector Sandro Camilleri, political influence within the police force “plays a very big role and it is very worrisome.”

Speaking on INDEPTH, the weekly programme on www.independent.com.mt, Inspector Camilleri admitted that political influence hinders police investigations. “This is why the police administration, including the Commissioner, needs to be candid and free of any external interference,” he argues.

Pressed on the matter by TMI’s Director of Content Pierre Portelli, Dr Camilleri would not comment if it is true that the present Police Commissioner’s days are numbered. However, he did say that under Lawrence Cutajar’s leadership “we don’t have the tyranny we had under former police commissioner Michael Cassar”.

Mr Cassar, who was acclaimed by both sides of the political divide, unexpectedly resigned from his post less than a year after his appointment, citing health reasons. In all, Malta had a turnover of five police commissioners in just five years, making it one of the most embarrassing periods in the force’s history. Inspector Camilleri expects the new Police CEO, Angelo Gafa, to be more hands-on in the administrative aspect of the force. During the interview, Dr Camilleri admits that the quality of police officers is deteriorating because the best elements in the force are leaving while new recruits are coming in with lower qualifications. He himself is planning on retiring in three years’ time.

Replying to questions on the recent spate of car bombs, he said that this is not new and compared it to the 1980s “when we had a bomb every three days.” He believes it is the result of revenge attacks amongst rival criminals and went on to say that nowadays it is easy to assemble a bomb. It is his conviction that materials may come from a local fireworks factory.

Asked if the police have become toothless in the face of criminals, inspector Camilleri said that the police know where to find criminals but unless there is enough proof one cannot proceed to court.

The interview will be uploaded on www.independent.com.mt today.