Community policing will officially be introduced in 11 new localities that will see an investment of €60,000 in centralised premises and e-bikes for officers.

The project first launched in Mellieha last year and will see a number of police officers taking a step away from their desks and out into the streets, patrolling communities. A total of 30 officers including five sergeants, an inspector and an assistant commissioner will be keeping Maltese streets safe.

The localities in part of the community policing project include:

1. Marsaxlokk

2. Birzebbuga

3. Pembroke

4. Swieqi

5. Fgura

6. Rabat

7. Dingli

8. Mtarfa

9. Mdina

10. Floriana

11. Valletta

In a press conference, Home Affairs Minister noted that most people went to the police station after something occurred. Such a project will give residents a direct link to officers that will help prevent crimes from happening in neighbourhoods, rather than reacting to them.

“The biggest difference between traditional policing and community policing is the sense of collaboration between the authorities and people living in a community,” Camilleri said. “Police presence in our communities is important, they are the first reference people who need the services of the police the most will have.” 

Parliamentary Secretary for Citizenship Alex Muscat said that, “This investment will strengthen the bond between citizens and the police to make sure our localities are truly secure while bringing our communities closer together.”