The Malta Police Service – overhauled and promising

Unlike some, I prefer to refer to them as providing a service rather than being a Force, since the latter term has a strong military connotation more consonant with the role and functions of the Armed Forces of Malta

The police service is there to prevent criminality, to investigate and prosecute when crimes and offences are committed, to promote and maintain public order and to assist the ordinary citizen in several ways as the case may be.

In the last few months, the police service has really undergone radical changes in both its structural set-up as well as in the manner it functions. From a time when it was being close to shambles and continuously losing public trust, it is being transformed into an efficient service provider with a promising future. Political polarisation should not keep us from giving credit to whom and where it is due.

It all started from the top. More than a year ago, and for the first time in history, the Police Commissioner was appointed following a public call and with increased scrutiny, following a hearing by the Parliamentary Committee for Public Appointments. The process is now more open and transparent. From a shortlist of just two candidates, the present Commissioner, Angelo Gafa’, emerged as the front runner and ideal candidate for the highly responsible job. With enhanced security of tenure, a commissioner can now act freely, unhindered by any direct or indirect political shackles, intimidation or interference.

Commissioner Gafa’ had long known what a tremendous task lay ahead for whoever was to take the reins and be at the helm to push the Corps to higher heights. Armed and guided with valuable experience of long years of service within the different ranks of the Corps, he immediately set about formulating and implementing necessary and innovative reforms. He was able to have a specific mission statement and related vision for the Corps based on his intelligent and holistic analysis while he served as Police Inspector and, later on, as chief Executive officer. Whoever is acquainted with Commissioner Gafa’ knows what great skills, competence and good judgment he demonstrates in such vital fields as strategic management, transformation processes, change management and leadership.

One of the major innovations introduced was Community Policing. It was launched two years ago in Mellieha, spreading to 11 more localities. The obtained results have shown that the Police Force is now more effective in its crime response and prevention efforts if the community becomes a partner in its operations. Needless to say, it has proved to be a striking success, and this was just a small step, but a huge leap forward for the Corps, on the road to regaining a reputable image and full trust of the public at large.

As from last May, then, police officers started donning a bodycam to record their interactions with the public, in a €1m investment by government. This was intended for their own protection as well as for the protection of people they faced, with the footage proving useful in court proceedings. Transparency and accountability are essential and bodycams will increase officers' legitimacy and decrease false reports against officers. They will also improve behaviour and interactions between members of the public and police officers.

Also two years ago, the vehicle fleet for district police was completely modernised with 50 new vehicles being introduced into the Force in what was another investment of almost €1m.

Let us not forget that as of last year, following amendments to the Police Act, internal systems were introduced that allow a member of the Police Force, from constables to officers in other ranks, that feel comfortable reporting abuse even if it concerns their peers. That was another important step towards establishing a clear anti-fraud and corruption policy in the Corps that strengthens good governance.

Another long requested improvement was finally achieved last April when the Police Corps was part of a Collective Agreement signed with this government giving the right to police officers to join a Union of their choice. They are now also covered by an insurance policy while on duty and their employment contracts are in conformity with the 40-hour week and 25 years of service principles.

With the unwavering support, assistance and intervention of Minister Byron Camilleri, last year Commissioner Gafa’ revived and is dead keen on implementing a transformation strategy for the years 2020-2025, something which previous administrations had hopelessly abandoned and forgotten. The strategy aims to provide a professional and trusted policing service to ensure safety and security in partnership with the community, to increase trust, confidence, legitimacy and responsiveness externally from the perspective of the community and internally from that of police officers and staff. In short, a holistic transformation of the Corps in line with modern expectations. A revamped Victims Support Unit and a modernised Financial Crimes Investigations Department, were the first to reap dividends.

I do not know about you folks, but I am confident that Commissioner Gafa’ embodies and has all it takes to give life and true meaning to the Mission Statement of the Corps – to promote and maintain Malta as a safe and secure State with the vision to enhance public respect, pride and confidence, by distinguishing itself in its strategies, actions and behaviours as a dedicated, professional, honest and responsible police service.