John Rizzo entrusted with bolstering police force’s credibility

John Rizzo, the new man at the helm of Malta’s Police Force, would not be drawn into commenting on George Grech’s sex scandal, but he admitted that certain aspects of the case might have been damaging to the Police Corps’ image.

Mr Rizzo told MaltaToday that he had immense respect for his predecessor. "I learned a lot from Mr Grech, after all he was my work colleague. It would not be prudent for me to comment on the case but I have to keep my feet on the ground. Certain issues raised in the case can damage the credibility of the corps. The Police Force cannot afford to lose credibility with the people it seeks to serve. All police officers, including myself, should learn from past mistakes."

Mr Rizzo is widely respected in the Police Force, however his appointment is not without controversy in political quarters.

In Malta’s dubious classification of individuals according to political allegiance, Mr Rizzo is known to be a Labourite. His appointment came as a surprise for a select number of police officials with Nationalist sympathies who expected the job to be handed over to one of them. However, it seems that the government chose to extricate itself as best possible from the embarrassing situation it has found itself in due to the former Commissioner’s antics.

Mr Rizzo, aged 45, has come up through the rank and file of the Police Force and is known to be a hard worker. The respect he enjoys transcends political allegiances.

He holds three ideals dear: loyalty, integrity and honesty. He told MaltaToday that he will try to instil these ideals in all members of the Police Corps.

Mr Rizzo added that he never expected to be appointed to the post. "With all humility I hope that the appointment shows that my previous work was appreciated. I am glad that the Prime Minister and the Home Affairs minister trusted me with the post."

Mr Rizzo is fully aware of the new responsibilities he has to carry. He is also conscious of the need for the force to have a good public image.

"The Police Force must continue performing the good work it has been doing and it must be seen to be doing the good work. We need to project a good image."

"There have been many times when I was away from home for long stretches because of my duty," he admitted.

Mr Rizzo joined the Police Force in 1976 as a constable. He started off by performing district duties in Valletta and Cospicua. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1980 and four years later to the rank of Inspector.

In 1986 Mr Rizzo obtained a Diploma in Law and Administration from the University of Malta following which in 1991 he was posted to the Criminal Investigations Department.

Mr Rizzo was appointed Superintendent in 1996 and a year later he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner, a post he held until being appointed Police Commissioner.

Mr Rizzo hails from Cospicua and is married to Catherine. They have four children.