From WPC R. Grima
Reference is made to the letter entitled “Police Attire” from Mr Dunstan Crockford, published in your paper on 12 September.
Please be informed that, contrary to what Mr Crockford concludes in his letter, police presence around the St Julian’s area does not focus only on the yearly celebration of the patron saint.
Although local feasts are deemed to be a major commitment to any Police District, it is a requirement that the police in charge of each district, Superintendent included, participate in such activities to ensure the smooth flow of proceedings, be it traffic management, public order, decent conduct by revellers and feast enthusiasts, etc.
However, local feasts are not the only events at which police presence is heavier than usual in St Julian’s. Paceville, the mecca for nightlife in Malta, experiences an increase in police presence and police action every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, all year round.
While acknowledging that there is always room for improvement in the services rendered, it must be appreciated that police presence in St Julian’s is not lacking. Even if the number of officers manning the streets is not yet optimal, most of our officers work hard to ensure that criticism such as that offered by Mr Crockford is reduced to a minimum.
WPC 101 R. Grima
For Commissioner of Police