Calls for police CEO to be issued by end of the month

Home affairs minister Carmelo Abela has anounced that the call for applications for a new CEO for the police corps will be published by the end of the month.

Speaking during a public consultation under the Gvern Li Jisma programme, Abela explained that the new CEO would be responsible for the administrative aspects of the corps.

“The police corps is carrying out a lot of improtant and effective operations, particularly in the anti-drugs squad,” he said. “But changes are required in the administration of the corps in particular.”

Drawing a distinction between police investigative support, which should always remain independent, Abela said that the position is meant to bring more stability and structure to the corps but added that it would not be the only measure necessary to improve the  administration of the corps.

The decision to introduce a CEO who would report directly to the police commissioner, was announced last year as part of the reorganization of the police force.

Abela added that he hoped that the move would send a message towards working closer to each other and achieving changes through a collective team effort.

“I think police commissioners are beign bogged down by administrative aspects, so a new CEO can lead to a commissioner being more capable of doing hands on work, like reducing crime, ensuring more efficient investigations and patrols,” he said, stressing that the CEO would not intrude into investigations and police affairs. 

Throughout the consultation session, Abela also explained that the process to reform the force had already started with new initiatives including through new rights to improve working conditions of members of the corps like allowing members of the police corps and their families to get compensation in case of injuries sustained at work.

“We will continue to work to create a better environment for the disciplined corps, and part of that is the administration and training of employees in the sector,” he said, adding that a focus on creating career prospects would continue to enforce such a change.

Abela also announced that the Civil Protection Department, which ahd already seen changes including the provision of retirement after 25 years of service like other disciplined corps, would also see additional responsibilities.

“New responsibilities will include fire safety and the creation of guidelines and legal frameworks to this end, as well as putting the department in charge of public activities, particularly those featuring large crowds,” Abela said.

“The process to change these laws is currently underway and we will also need further funds in order to make these changes a reality,” he added.

Abela also pointed out that one of the priorities for the government, was tweaking the administration at Corradino Correctional Facility, to ensure that inmates get the opportunity to reform their lives and earn new skills.

“Investing in these facilities and educational efforts will ensure that these individuals will be able to get back in society and contribute to it rather than end up being burdens to that same system,” Abela said, adding that the government was also looing to further investment in the sector.

Abela also pointed out that migration continued to be one of the main challenges for the country, with 2014-2015 seeing an increase of asylum applications in Malta even though the number of refugee arrivals had dropped significantly.

Abela also pointed out that the government had embarked on a series of legal changes to improve training and crowd control measures for bouncers, and to allow companies to access more potential employees. He added that improving the contacts and work between the police force and bouncers was also essential to improving the way these situations were handled.

“The ministry has already held a consultation meeting for representatives of those holding a private guards license, the GRTU, and other partners of the sector as well as members of the police crps to find solutions,” Abela added.

He explained that the change was seen as necessary in view of recent accidents and brawls that often developed at clubs and entertainment hubs. The changes sought to improve security for members of society but at the same time ensure that establishments do not lose competitivity.