The Malta Police Association said on Sunday that there are thousands of police officers who carry out their duties in a diligent and honest way.

Reacting to the ongoing scandal that has rocked the Traffic Branch, the MPA said the wrongdoings of a few should not overshadow the “impeccable” work carried out by many other officers.

Over 40 members of the Traffic Branch have been arrested over a racket that involves overtime abuse, the collection of protection money and fuel misappropriation. At least seven members of the branch have resigned, including the suspected mastermind, and 31 officers have been released on police bail.  25 officers have been suspended.

The Malta Independent has revealed how investigating officers were initially instructed to ‘sit on the file,’ while, in today’s edition, we report how a witch hunt is underway in an effort to identify the whistleblower who uncovered the racket.

The MPA said it will not comment about ongoing investigations at this stage so as not to hamper the process.

It feels, however, that it has a duty in these unhappy times for the police force to show its solidarity with the thousands of police officers who work with dedication and honesty. Contrary to the current perception, many officers have always been honest and carried out their duties impeccably, it said.