Police to get pay rise, shorter work week

Working conditions for Malta’s police are set to improve following the signing of the first ever police sector agreement on Monday.

The agreement, was agreed upon by the Police Corps, the government and the country’s two police unions – the Police Officer’s Union and the Malta Police Association.

Addressing the media before the signing, Home Affairs minister Michael Farrugia said that the new agreement was the next step in the present administration’s efforts to improve the police corps.

The minister said the agreement will see police officers and constables rise one level on the public sector pay scale. Police officers’ working week will be reduced from 46 to 40 hours, with officers also benefitting from improved disturbance allowances and overtime rates.

“This is another first in what we have done to better the police corps efficiency in its work,” Principal Permanent Secretary Mario Cutajar said.

The agreement will also allow more investment in the police, including in equipment like body cams, while Police depots will also see a major upgrade especially as regards access for people with a disability.