No ministerial influence on police force – Home Affairs Ministry insists
The Home Affairs Ministry has categorically denied there being any political interference by the ministry in the investigative work conducted by the police force.
The ministry issued a right of reply to an article which appeared on The Malta Independent and independent.com.mt on 10 March, which referred to an episode of INDEPTH, where Police Officers Union President Inspector Sandro Camilleri was interviewed.
The full right of reply (translated from Maltese to English)
“With reference to an article published by The Malta Independent on 10 March called “Political influence in police force very big, hinders investigations - Inspector Camilleri”, the Home Affairs Ministry categorically denies that there is any political interference by the Ministry in the investigative work conducted by the police force.
“The Home Affairs Ministry makes clear that Minister Carmelo Abela always maintained his belief that the police are autonomous in their investigative work, and in no way ever tried to interfere or place any pressure.
“Regarding other points said during the programme, the Ministry clarifies that the number of police officers leaving the corps is not an abnormal situation.
“Police have a right to retire after 25 years of service, and as has always happened, several who reach the years of service required of them look for other job opportunities.
“Moreover, in the field of recruitment for police officers that occurs every year, the ministry noted that the number of graduates looking for a career in the Corps, even at constable level, is always on the rise, it is clear that those looking for a career in the Corps are more.
“Government is committed in favour of modernising and strengthening the Police Force through investment in human resources and modern equipment. In fact, discussions on the draft Police Law will soon begin at Committee stage. This Bill will lead to the introduction of more efficient structures to see the Corps become more performance driven, in order for a better quality service when it comes to protecting citizens to be provided.”
Report faithful to interview but union objects
The Police Officers Union - General Workers Union has also, however, alleged that the reporting of the interview was misleading. The Union said that the during the interview, Inspector Camilleri spoke about partisan politics in the place of work, and that people who have their party in government expect that they can do what they want.
“Naturally this was said in a general context, and not just the present.”
The Union also said that the article's title: “Political influence in police force very big, hinders investigations - Inspector Camilleri” shows a different picture to what Inspector Camilleri said, giving the impression that the President of the Union said politicians use their influence to impede Police Corps members from their work. All the Union President said was that certain discussions between police officers regarding partisan politics deals more damage at the place of work. As an example, he said that there are people who already told him that if the government changes, they will end up in Comino.
The Malta Independent holds, however, that Inspector Sandro Camilleri was reported faithfully.
Editorial note
The Malta Independent is very disappointed that the POU - GWU has taken offence at a headline which described exactly what Inspector Camilleri said to Pierre Portelli during INDEPTH. An extract of the programme is being reproduced in which it is clear that Mr Portelli asked on political influence within the police force and Dr Camilleri replied that it is a very big problem. Asked again he continued that it hinders investigations. Dr Camilleri was very satisfied after the interview and he even shared it on Facebook stating that it was one of the toughest he's had and acclaiming Mr Portelli for the way it was conducted. Later during the day the above reply was issued by POU and the Ministry.
Viewers are encouraged to view the whole interview on www.independent.com.mt and judge for themselves as to what was said.