The Presidents of the two police unions, MPA and the MPOU have expressed very different views about the appointment of a new police commissioner.
The Malta Independent sent identical questions to Inspector Sandro Camilleri, President of the Malta Police Officers' Union and Inspector Malcolm Bondin, who heads the Malta Police Association. Their replies, however, are very different.
How do you feel about having five Police Commissioners in just three years?
President of the Police Officers' Union Sandro Camilleri (photo above) believes that political criticism against the police corps has been mounting over the past few years, and that this can act as a deterrent for police officers to do the work properly.
Questioned on how he feels about five different Police Commissioners in just three years, Mr Camilleri explained that it is in fact quite normal for the post to be changed relatively often.
"I don't see the problem with Police Commissioners changing so often, in fact this is quite normal. Only a few stayed on for long periods of time, such as Vivian de Gray and John Rizzo. If it is for the good of the police corps, then I see no problem.
"I personally do not see it as five Commissioners in three years, John Rizzo had been there for a very long time and Michael Cassar resigned due to health reasons, so I see it as three Commissioners in three years."
However, Inspector Malcolm Bondin (photo below) thinks otherwise. "The work of the Police force depends on the Commissioner. Unfortunately, the system is very anomalous and weak where it is the Commissioner himself that gives direction to the whole corp. Consequently, when a change in the leadership occurs, instability follows."
He said this is why MPA believes in the need of a National Policy for the Police Corps.
Do you agree that the Commissioner should be appointed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament?
Sandro Camilleri said that, while he agrees with discussions taking place with the Opposition, appointing a Commissioner in this way could politicise the role even more.
"The post will end up being focused on what the Parliament of the day feel – merit, competence and all the necessary criteria might take a back-seat if the post was filled this way." One has to remember that the post is a political appointment, not based on ranking, he said.
He spoke about how ultimately a Police Commissioner's role is mainly managerial. He said that while it is important to know how to conduct investigations, in order to delegate investigative work, ultimately it is a managerial role.
"I believe that the Commissioner should always come from within the corps. What I would like to see however is our Union's questions being answered."
But MPA President Malcolm Bondin begs to differ. "The experience of these last three years shows the evident need of a general consensus on who should occupy this post. There cannot be any hint of doubt on the Commissioner's integrity, on a national level and on his political motivation."
He said that the role of a Police Commissioner is of vital importance for a democracy. "That is why MPA believes that a Police Commissioner should be chosen by a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives".
MPA added that the office of the Commissioner should be tied to a definite time period and maybe, introduce the possibility that the post is renewed judging by the performance.
In his concluding remarks, Inspector Sandro Camilleri wished Mr Cassar the best of luck for his health, and a speedy recovery. "I hope the upcoming Commissioner however will correct the anomalies found within the corps and carry out any necessary investigations."
Inspector Malcolm Bondin said that the acting commissioner is a very approachable person. "He has more than 30 years' experience in the police force and has occupied various posts during this period. We are very hopeful that Mr Cutajar will be ready to lend us an ear to understand our difficulties so that all anomalies and issues can be resolved."
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/1rmKz74
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