Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543413
REFORMS were made, but still not enough importance is given to the idea of a police contingent enjoying the confi- dence of the public and being perceived as politically neutral in the service of the state and in the professional, unbiased enforcement of the law and protection of the citizen. Al- though ninety percent of the population trusts the police, at varying levels, confidence in and autonomy of the police corps remain sore issues. The failure to prosecute top-level politicians and not to act on cases of corruption had been putting the police service in the limelight for the wrong reasons. Regrettably, the tide does not seem to be turning, which does not bode well for the future. The FCID was by far the most important invest- ment the police department has made in recent years. Op- erating from modern premises, it marked a new beginning, one that equates with a modern and efficient police service. Today, it is no exaggeration to say that the police have been sitting on their backsides do- ing nothing. It is also fair to lay part of the blame at the feet of Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa, who was supposed to be the one to initiate an impor- tant reform within the force. The outcome was and still is that positive results are not be- ing achieved. It is a sorry state in which our police service has descended, and it needs to be addressed. Yet it is imperative that we arrive at a stage where one can truly proclaim and boast that we have a modern and efficient police service in place that transcends all traces of political interference, cor- ruption, abuse of public office and criminal inaction. It is, therefore, fundamental that one fully grasps what a modern and efficient police ser- vice should look like, as well as what the immediate and long- term challenges are facing the police and how such challenges are to be tackled. Such a goal is both possible and necessary. Having a modern, 21st-century police organisation is not im- possible for committed people and their police to achieve. If all stakeholders work together, we can have the kind of police force of which we can all be proud, trust and support. Modern, 21st-century polic- ing has to be constitutional; that is, our police must pro- tect the civil and fundamental human rights guaranteed by our Constitution at all times. Modern policing is expected to be just and respectful; that is, police practice must incor- porate a number of critical dimensions with those with whom they come into contact. Citizens expect to perceive that their side of the story has been heard and that they are treated with dignity and respect. The decision-making process used by the police must be seen as unbiased and trustworthy. Cit- izens should comprehend how decisions concerning them are made and understand that the police are interested in their personal situation. Modern police services must also be transparent and ac- countable. Without compro- mising ongoing investigations, police are to be publicly open about their actions, policies, practices, discipline, training methods, and when and how often they use force. Within that transparency is the high expectation that police will be accountable to the citizenry in their actions, activities and practices, and conduct collab- orative policing practices that are close to the people served and able to listen to the voices of those served. Demographic, social and technological changes are cre- ating new forms of crime and enabling criminal networks to operate more effectively across national borders. At the same time, budget issues are limit- ing the ability of our police to meet these challenges, which can lead to a loss of confidence in citizens in the fight against crime. However, new tech- nologies are also opening up new opportunities for better networking, shorter reaction paths, simpler administrative processes and the prevention of crime through data analysis. Using new technology to tackle today's criminals means acquiring and developing new skills. If our Corps is to be suc- cessful, it will therefore need to recruit new specialists and develop new skills to be able to use modern technology and intelligent data to suppress or disrupt the acts of criminal or- ganisations. Indeed, data and technology are changing the very nature of police work. Police work needs to be smarter. That means police of- ficers need to be as comfortable with technology as the crimi- nals who are using it. Although uniformed police will still form the backbone of any police force, the changing nature of crime means authorities need more officers and staff who are tech-savvy. Recruiting and retaining the officers of the future is there- fore a major strategic challenge for our police. This challenge is aggravated by the fact that the age pyramid is now mush- room-shaped, with a narrower base and a wider top, and by the disproportionate number of experienced workers, in- cluding police officers, who will be retiring in the next few years. In addition, the mem- bers of Generation Z, who are just now entering the work- force, are seeking greater free- dom and breadth of work. So how can our police find the talent they need now and in the future? There needs to be cre- ativity in the recruitment pro- cess and segment police roles more effectively. This might be achieved by differentiating job descriptions in order to find suitable personnel based on specific tasks. Ultimately, our police will have to retain the capability to maintain law and order on the streets. Yearning for a modern and efficient police service 10 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 25 FEBRUARY 2026 OPINION Mark Said Veteran lawyer Ultimately, our police will have to retain the capability to maintain law and order on the streets Photo: Malta Police Force