The government has appointed four new deputy police commissioners to strengthen the force, Minister Carmelo Abela said.

The appointees are Silvio Valletta, responsible for criminal investigations, Mario Spiteri, responsible for human resources and administration, Carmelo Magri, who will take over operations and district work and Antoine Casha, who will be responsible for legal matters, finances, information technology and communications.

The four have served as assistance commissioners for a number of years.

In a short address, Minister Abela spoke about the evolving duties of the police force, and said that these appointments will serve to decentralise the force’s operations. Gone are the days when all decisions are taken by the police commissioner, Mr Abela said.

Photo: Antoine Casha, Mario Spiteri, Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar, Minister Carmelo Abela, Carmelo Magri and Silvio Valletta