Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela made two announcements tonight while addressing this evening's "Gvern Li Jisma", the first being that the Civil Protection Department will receive more responsibilities in the near future, and the second that the call for applications for the post of CEO of police is expected to be issued this month.

With regard to the CPD, he said that the introduction of new responsibilities came about following a Cabinet decision for a  new organisational structure at the CPD, and it will, in addition for its current responsibilities, also be responsible for fire safety, and security in public activities. "This means we would need a legislative change, and work has begun in order to change the law, for it to be in line with Cabinet's decision. This means the department will also require more human resources and more funding" he said.

Turning to recent announcements that a new CEO to head the administrative side of the police force would be introduced, the minister explained that a distinction must be made between the investigative side of the police, "where nobody should ever intervene," and the administrative side, "of which the CEO would be responsible".

"My aim is that by the end of the month, the call for applications will be published," he said

On 23 April, The Malta Independent had reported that the introduction of a new CEO was one of the main reasons that led to the resignation of former police commissioner Michael Cassar.

Addressing worries that the CEO might have some form of influence over the police commissioner, the Minister said that the CEO cannot and will not be able to intervene in police work.

“The Commissioner will remain the head of department within the police force, but the CEO will handle the administrative aspect while coordinating with the police commissioner as well as the deputy commissioners etc. I don't look at leadership as a single person, but as a senior management team. When looking at the post of Commissioner, most of their time is spent on administrative work. I don't want a commissioner spending most of his time on that, but rather spending it looking at how to reduce crime, on ensuring investigations are done properly, on improving the way investigations are conducted, more focussed on actual police work”.

The Minister spoke of a number of benefits received by members of the disciplinary corps, and was asked how citizens will benefit. "If one improves working conditions then that employee will improve his or her work".

There are 5,000 employees within the disciplinary corps, he said.

The minister highlighted the importance of training. "It is important for these employees to receive constant training and look at their jobs as careers. If they look at their jobs as careers, they will remain motivated to keep pushing forward to give a better service".

Aside from training, he mentioned that the courses at the Academy will be accredited.

"The Academy will work with local educational institutions, like the University and MCAST, as well as foreign educational institutions," he said.

Turning to the Correctional Facility, he said that "this facility is funded by our taxes, and if we are allocating financial resources to this facility, we must ensure that the inmates receive the education needed to reform, and contribute to society once they are let out".

Turning to the Armed Forces, he said that a few days ago, a new data center was inaugurated that will strengthen cyber security. "Training is underway for helicopter pilots to be able to pilot the latest models," he said, in anticipation of a new helicopter that will be brought in to Malta later this year.

The Minister also spoke about discussions relating to a change in law for bouncers, where it would require bouncers to be registered, undertake a serious course which would teach them to control certain situations, and also teach them basic legal knowledge.