The Malta Police Force in its present form dates from a proclamation during the governorship of Sir Thomas Maitland (1813-1814). When Malta became a crown colony of the United Kingdom and Ireland by the Treaty of Paris, Maitland was appointed Governor and commander-in-chief of Malta and its dependencies by the Prince Regent's Commission of 23 July 1813. On his appointment Maitland, embarked on many far reaching reforms, including the maintenance of Law and Order.
By Proclamation XXII of 1st July 1814, Maitland ordered and directed that all powers up to then exercised with respect to the administration of the police of the island of Malta and its dependencies were, after 12th July 1814 to be administered by the authorities under established procedures.
The police was to be divided into two distinct departments - the executive police and the judicial. The inspector general of police (Nowadays The Commissioner of Police) was to be the head of the executive police. The Magistrates for Malta and the Magistrates of Police for Gozo were to be the heads of the judicial police.
From 12th July 1814 onwards, the entire management and control of the executive police came under the immediate superintendence of the inspector general of police who received his orders from the governor.
After the grant of self-government in 1921, the police department became the responsibility of the Maltese government. The first minister appointed, who was responsible for justice and the police, was Dr Alfredo Caruana Gatto.
The Malta Police Force is one of the oldest police forces in Europe.
Main objectives of the Malta Police Force:
(a) to preserve public order and peace, to prevent the commission of offences, to promote and enforce the observance of the laws, as a first guarantee of the rights of all persons in Malta, even before action is needed through the judicial system to repress, sanction or remedy any breach;
(b) to respond immediately to any request for the protection and intervention of the law;
(c) to apply the law without discrimination on any ground such as race, colour, language, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status;
(d) to promote the orderly and peaceful coexistence of all persons in Malta, paying due attention not only to private property rights but also to public property;
(e) to seek to protect the environment;
(f) to assist, within reasonable limits, any person seeking the help of a police or other public officer even though the ultimate responsibility to provide such help may not lie with the Force; and
(g) to perform honestly and effectively all those duties assigned by Chapter 164 of the Laws of Malta (Police Act) or by any other law.
Mission:
To provide a professional and trusted policing service to ensure safety and security in partnership with the community.
Vision:
For the community to trust us in ensuring a safe and secure society for everyone.
Structure of the Malta Police Force:
Malta is divided in two regions - Region A (South) and Region B (North & Gozo). Each Region is headed by an Assistant Commissioner. Region A covers districts 1 to 6 while Region B covers districts 7 to 12. Each district is headed by a Superintendent.
In 2019 the concept of Community Police was introduced as a pilot project and currently 70% of Malta is covered by Community Police. Community Policing is planned to cover all the island by end of the year 2023.
There are also a number of investigative and operational units which form part of the Malta Police Force, including the:
- Forensic Science Laboratory
- Central Intelligence & Analysis Unit
- Major Cimes Department
- Cyber & Vulnerable Victims Department
- Financial Crimes Investigations Department
- International Relations & Security Department
- Operational Support
Link to full organisational chart -