Work is being done to set up the Joint Innovation Centre (JIC) to develop the concept of “Safe City” in Malta, particularly in the use of advanced technology in telecommunications, facial recognition, and IT to “strengthen security where it is needed”.

Work was carried out over the past months to install apparatus necessary in a data center for experimental use in a private environment “in total respect of the privacy laws,” the Finance Minister said. After further consultations this technology is to be implemented in localities such as Paceville and Marsa.

This to “strengthen security, and control anti-social behavior, in a legal framework where human rights are respected,” Scicluna said.

 

Local Council Reform

The Finance Minister also spoke about the recently-launched White Paper on Local Council reform, stating that the government looks to continue “strengthening the operations of the Local Councils.”

The objective is to specify the roles and responsibilities of the Region, whilst also upping the quality of the services granted to the public.

A fund is also to be created with the aim of helping the local councils maintain infrastructural projects they may have benefitted from, and on top of that a scheme to encourage local councils to propose initiatives to address issues of wellbeing and lifestyle.

The Government will also be opening a new entity to monitor contracts handed out by the government to private enterprises, whose goal will be to ensure that the conditions reached in the contracts or tenders are being followed.

Further investments will also be made to improve the quality of the Customs House to “ensure competition and limit tax evasion.”

Included in the budget are plans to invest in a tunnel X-ray van for the airport, and the beginning of the first phase of work in a €5 million project to replicate the scanning system at the Freeport and at the Grand Harbour.

The K9 division will also see investment through the purchasing of more dogs, and the building of a
“Canine Compound” in Hal Far.

 

Police Force

Various capital investments are to be made in the Malta Police Force, particularly to strengthen human resources and working conditions.

A Command and Control Room is to be built, and the latest technology is to be installed to ensure “immediate response.” Apart from installing new technology, the modernization of their vehicles and equipment is to be continued with “substantial” investments.

Investment will also be made in the Forensic Division’s infrastructure, with further purchasing of modern apparatus, and work on further accreditation of the lab to be given particular attention.

Increased classes, a library, and a computer room are being planned to increase the size of the Police Academy’s campus. Other ideas are also being discussed.

With regards to the Civil Protection Department, a strategy plan is being prepared to cover the next 10 years, and further investments to change and purchase vehicles such as dinghies and fire boats will be undertaken.

 

Holding Facilities

The Corradino Correctional Facility is to undergo infrastructural changes, strengthening of human resources and improvements in security services, accommodation and food. Body scanners are to be purchased to increase security.

A project brief was commissioned to establish what types of new buildings are needed to increase space, and better organize prisoners.

With regards to the Detention Centre, a new strategy is being contemplated on how it is being operated, to keep it “relevant” and “up to date”.

 

Health Benefits

Health benefits for those security officers employed by the Government, that are hurt in the line of duty, will be made available by the State. These benefits will be given in case of a fatal accident, permanent disability, or an incident which leads to an individual being unable to work.

“More details on these benefits and how there are to be introduced will be given after the final consultations.”

 

The Judicial Branch

A mediation system to regulate rents will be introduced. Also, a law giving administrative autonomy to the Judiciary on the same model the Legislative branch is to be implemented.