Police union chief zeroes in on street fights, and public criticism

Police Officers Union President Sandro Camilleri has zeroed in on the recent fights breaking out between foreign nationals, and the criticizing comments targeting police action earlier this week.

Over the past few weeks there have been increased reports of fights breaking out between foreign nationals, including a particularly violent one just this week, where a large-scale brawl broke out between two groups of Syrians in Tarxien in which knives and hard objects were used.

"We offer support to our members who are called to intervene in large-scale fights between people of foreign nationalities."

Camilleri warned that at this rate "someone is going to get hurt, and god forbid, could even lose their life." He was also seemingly confused that people would criticize police officers for carrying out their responsibilities in maintaining order.

He criticized NGOs for "making their voices heard to seem like saints, when in reality it is the police that are on the beat on the streets" whilst the NGOs would be asleep.

"Solidarity is useless after incidents like these take place."

Camilleri also brought up the recent incident involving an individual who swam naked at Spinola Bay, in which six police officers were called to apprehend him by hopping on a boat, and chasing him down. After mocking the numerous online comments heckling the officers, he proceeded to sarcastically suggest that the public "appeal to the government so that everyone can swim naked wherever they like".

He complained that the police are in a position where they are damned if they do, and damned if they don't. He believes that there is a section of the public that outright "hate" the police, including various online portals and newspapers.

"The irony is that if something had to ever happen to them, we are the first people they call for help."

He ended his message by showing support to the members of the union, advising against letting morale fall in the face of the surrounding criticism.

"Dear members, keep doing your job and do it well, in the name of the oath you took. It's true that these comments hurt, but don't let it demoralize you."

from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2PTlwFL
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