[WATCH] Police could travel to Italy to interrogate Darren Debono

Police could travel to Italy to interrogate Debono brothers in relation to Caruana Galizia murder

Home Affairs minister Michael Farrugia this afternoon did not exclude local police officials travelling to Italy to question Darren Debono and Gordon Debono, the two men who were arrested in Italy two weeks ago in relation to the smuggling of fuel from Libya. 

Arrest warrants for the two men, and six other individuals, were issued the day after the journalist was killed in a car bomb attack.

Farrugia was addressing a press conference on the Home Affairs ministry's budget allocation for the coming year, where he was asked by this newspaper whether Maltese authorities had requested the Debonos' extradition to Malta. 

"The Police and local authorities have good relationship with counties close to, and further away from Malta. This cooperation has led to the identification of certain persons. There are certain questions that need to be asked and one must see whether, if more investigations are required, whether they can take place in Italy or if an extradition request needs to be made so they can take place here in Malta," said Farrugia.

He added that both options were on the cards at this point in time, while also noting that Darren Debono was wanted in Italy as part of another investigation.

Regarding the Government's "vision for the coming year", Farrugia said a number of improvements were being planned within the Police Corps, Armed Forces, the Corradino Correctional Facility and the Civil Protection Department. 

The Government, he said, would be working to conclude various sectoral agreements in the police force in order for working conditions to improve.

"This doesn't only refer to the total income, but also the environmental officers work in," he said, adding that embellishment works and an overall improvement to police stations, especially that in Marsaskala, would be started in the coming year.

New recruits and more experienced officers will also be receiving specialised training, to improve the quality of the service given. Pre-vocational classes will also be introduced at MCAST to better prepare students aiming for a career in law enforcement.

Furthermore, he said there would be investment made in better vehicles, and the cybercrime unit.

In this regard, Farrugia said a "change in mentality" was needed for the police force to be able to compete with the private sector in attracting capable professionals.

This was particularly true of the Economic Crimes Unit, which Farrugia said was in need for more specialised people. 

Individuals manning the 112 help lines would also be receiving specialised training.

Finally, the minister said that a complete overhaul of the police's media relations unit was being planned and would be taking into account the needs of the modern day media.

Cavity searches to become a thing of the past

Turning to the Corradino Correctional Facility, the minister said new body scanners would be installed, in order to put an end to the "degrading" system of having to carry out a cavity search on people visiting inmates.

Farrugia again reiterated plans for prison policy to be dictated by a board of governors, and for inmates to receive training, leading to recognised qualification while in prison. 

The modernisation of the existing prison structure will also be looking into over the course of the coming year.

New fire engines 

On the Civil Protection Department, Farrugia said that a process of renewal of the  departments fire engines was currently underway, with new fire engines expect to arrive in the "coming days".

Moreover, there will be increased investment in equipment to help deal with any potential LNG accidents, other industrial accidents, as well as fires in high-rise buildings.

More army recruitment 

Farrugia stressed that with the demands on the army growing, it was important for it to attract more and hold on to it's existing human resources. 

For this reason, he said more was being invested in training new recruits, with more options made available for career advancement within the army.

The army will also be overhauling the engines of on of its vessels and would also receiving a new vessel.