The Malta Police Force has done a sterling job in apprehending the prime suspect in the Sliema double murder, partially solving the case within a few days.

It was not an easy operation, but the officers involved managed to nab the suspect, who was armed with a pistol, without any casualties.

Up until Tuesday afternoon, the usual armchair critics were saying that the police in Malta never manage to solve cases, but the truth is that most murders in Malta are solved. Police Commissioner Angelo Gafa, in fact, pointed out during a crime conference that this was the sixth murder this year, and five of the cases have been solved.

The police often receive a lot of criticism, some of which is warranted given the lack of progress on some more high-profile investigations or lack thereof. But a lot of hard police work in the community, in the fight against drugs and in other areas often goes unsung and unnoticed.

While it is true that political interference and allegiences have taken their toll on the reputation of the force, most of the actual members, the people on the ground, are trained professionals who conduct their work in a diligent way and often put their own safety at risk to protect others.

These people deserve our praise and our gratitude.

But there is another argument we wish to make. The information that has emerged on the suspect has given rise to certain concerns. The alleged mastermind in the murder was out on bail in connection with an armed hold-up at Tigne Point three years ago. When the police went to arrest him, he pulled out a gun and tried to shoot them, but the trigger jammed. He was subsequently charged with the attempted murder of three officers.

When officers arrested Muka on Tuesday, he was holding a gun, but whether he tried to use it remains unclear. The police said they also found two replica machine guns inside the car used during the double-murder.

This means that, while he was out on bail, the suspect managed to acquire at least one new firearm.

Such a situation is not endemic to this case. Many violent crimes are carried out by career criminals. The official term is they were ‘known’ to the police. Such were the three suspects in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, for example.

It is hard to understand how such individuals are not placed under some of surveillance by the state.

We understand that they cannot have a police officer watching over them 24 hours a day, but people with a certain criminal history, especially those intent on staying on the same path, should be kept under some sort of watch.

Perhaps bail regulations should be revised too. We understand that there are human rights implications here, but can the state afford to let a jewellery thief loose only for that person to turn into a murderer?

While surely there will be legal counter arguments to the above, the safety of our society should be the topmost priority, and people with a history of violent crime while still under investigation should not be given the opportunity to wreak more havoc.