Malta desperately needs a dedicated police SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) unit, two former senior members of the disbanded Special Assignment Group (SAG) have told The Malta Independent.
The two sources said the recent rise of ISIS in Libya and the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of State Meeting (GHOGM 2015), which will be held in Malta in November, have highlighted Malta’s shortfalls when it comes to dealing with a potential terrorist threat.
The SAG had three main roles, dealing with civil unrest, terrorism and VIP protection. It was disbanded under the leadership of former Police Commissioner Peter Paul Zammit and its roles were absorbed by the Rapid Intervention Unit – a rehashed version of the former Mobile Squad. This has, however, created a situation where Malta no longer has a specialized unit dedicated solely to deal with terrorism.
One former SAG officer believes that RIU personnel are not taking part in SAG-style training, despite claims by the police force that the role has been seamlessly transferred to police officers manning the squad cars. “You cannot have a 120-man SWAT team. They cannot all be specialized in the required skills. A 20-man team made up of highly trained individuals is more than enough.”
The former SAG officer remarked that the ISIS threat could increase ten-fold a few months down the line. “Forget ISIS for a second. What about the upcoming CHOGM meeting? We will have 52 heads of state meeting on this tiny rock – all the eggs in one basket. What if any terrorist group decided to attack then? Are the police prepared today to deal with such a scenario? I do not believe so.”
Training for CHOGM 2005 started two years before
The source said that the SAG had started training for the 2005 CHOGM a full two years before, and at the time there was no ISIS threat. “Some RIU members admitted recently that they are not doing any counter terrorism training at all. Running two-miles a week and firing 25 rounds every few months at the range every few months is not counter-terrorism training.”
It is not clear if RIU officers take part in Close Quarters Battle (CQB training), which simulates fighting in built up areas and is an essential part not only of conventional military but also counter-terrorism training. “Besides, there is no one qualified to provide this kind of training in the force. All of the experienced people were thrown out long ago.”
The source said Malta badly needs a dedicated SWAT team – it is practically the only western country that does not have one. “I believe that, in the worst case scenario, our response would be totally inadequate. This is not a job for kids – the team has to be made up of professional people who can deliver. I believe that it is now too late to have such a unit in time for CHOGM.”
A few months ago, the police force issued a call for ex-SAG personnel to join the ranks of the RIU and other specialized police units but according to the source few were willing to return after they were given the boot.
RIU has too many roles to focus on anti-terrorism
Similar remarks came from another former SAG officer, who insisted that the RIU had too many roles to fill to be able to specialize in any one of them, including the ex-SAG role. “With their current workload I am very sceptical as to how much time they are able to dedicate to the counter terrorism role. Another problem is that the concentrated effort of the former SAG has been spread out too thin.”
Malta needs a special unit that can cater for these types of situations. SWAT training has to be stepped up again and equipment upgraded frequently. “I would personally opt for a unit of select individuals coming from different backgrounds and specialities from within the force.”
He noted that at the time Malta was taking the decision to disband the SAG, two other states, San Marino and the Vatican, were asking for recognition to be able to establish their own SWAT units.
Asked about the fate of former SAG snipers, the source said at least three are still serving in the police force but said he is not aware if they are in any way attached to the RIU. “They do partake in shooting training but in our time they worked and trained as part of the SAG. I do not know what the situation is now.”
The former SWAT officer said the SAG did have the necessary equipment, including breachers (sledgehammers used to break down doors) and flash bangs (a non-lethal stun grenade) but this equipment used to be kept under lock and key and distributed only when the need arose. “That is another reason why there has to be a dedicated SWAT team.”
A game of cat and mouse
The source said the Special Assignments Group was able to respond to an emergency call as a whole unit. Now it is a question of whoever is in the nearest patrol car. “The country can never be fully prepared for a terrorist attack because this is not conventional warfare we are talking about. It is like playing a game of cat and mouse, without knowing when the mouse will come out.”
The retired police officer said different entities that would be involved in a potential terrorist strike have to increase their awareness and cooperation. “We cannot be fully prepared for an attack but we can be prepared in how to deal with it, how different authorities should work together if something happens.”
Terrorism has evolved over the years – from hijacks, to the shooting down of planes, to assassinations and chemical warfare. “Training has to be ongoing and has to cover every aspect, from planning to providing psychological assistance to any would-be victims.”
The source also insisted that, while the public should not be alarmed, it should be informed about the procedures that would fall in place in terrorism or emergency cases. “In some European countries people are even taught how to spot and report suspicious activity.
Recent use of SWAT teams
Ottawa Parliament shooting – 22 October 2014
Sydney café hostage siege – 15-16 December 2014
Paris Charlie Hebdo attacks and subsequent sieges – 8-9 January 2015
Denmark Synagogue shooting – 22 February 2015