Police CEO post set up by law, cannot be changed except by Parliament - PN

The Nationalist Party is contesting the “abolition” of the post of CEO of the police corps, saying that the position is established by law and cannot be changed except by Parliament.

The PN was referring to a story in The Malta Independent on Sunday, which read that the police force is in the process of issuing a call for applications for the post of Director General, a position that will replace that of the Chief Executive Officer.

In a statement, the PN said that this move was being done by the Commissioner of Police in agreement with the Home Affairs Minister.

The PN said that the CEO position had been established a few years ago so as to allow the police commissioner to focus on leading and guiding the corps. On the other hand, the CEO would be responsible for the operative and administrative running of the force.

The law lays down that there should be a CEO and does not give the right to either the Minister or the Commissioner to abolish the role without a discussion in Parliament, the PN said.

The PN said it expects the Commissioner and the Minister to follow the law and if the Minister has changed his mind on a CEO, then a bill should be drafted and presented in Parliament.

In a statement, the Home Ministry said that in the past months, a strategy to transform the police force was taking place.

This was taking place after the force obtained funds from the EU and employed experts for advice. Once the strategy is concluded, measures will be taken according to what is suggested and agreed upon.

In case a parliamentary discussion is required, this will take place, the ministry said.

The ministry asserted it respected the institutions and does not need lessons from the Opposition. It would be better for the Opposition to seek dialogue rather than confrontation, the ministry said.