The Police Association has expressed its concern over data leaks from the police HQ that only serve to “undermine the corps reputation.”

This week, the Data Commissioner ruled that Inspector Elton Taliana’s personal file was leaked at a time when it was under the direct control of former Police Commissioner Peter Paul Zammit.

Mr Zammit not occupies the role of head as security for CHOGM.

The Nationalist Party has called for his resignation, pointing out that during his short tenure as Police Commissioner, Mr Zammit was embroiled in multiple scandals.

It fined current Police Commissioner Michael Cassar €500 for the leak.

The Association said in a press statement Mr Taliana’s personal file was leaked and exhibited in court in a libel case between himself and MaltaToday’s managing editor Saviour Balzan.

The file in question was presented by Mr Balzan.

The police suffered another high-profile leak last year, when recordings of conversations between former Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia’s security driver and the police control room were leaked to the media.

The Police Association condemned the use of the police corps as a “political football” in certain media reports.

The Association appealed to Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela and Police Commissioner Michael Cassar to continue introducing measures which safeguard sensitive information and personal data of all members of the police corps.

The Association said the police have every right to privacy and the protection of their data just like every other citizen.

Such information should not be released and exploited publicly in breach of the law, the Association said.