The two police unions have complained about the worsening conditions being experienced by district police, and which, they say, are affecting the physical and mental wellbeing of officers.
The Malta Police Union has registered another dispute against the police commissioner, this time over “inhumane” conditions faced by district branches.
The MPU said it was objecting to “changes in the working conditions being implemented without any consultation and which will have a negative effect on our officers whilst continue to drain officers from districts.”
The situation, it said, is leading to “disappointment, demotivation and great uncertainty amongst all members of the Forces,” and is affecting the mental well-being of the Police Officers and their families.
The Union, on a daily basis is being inundated with complaints from its members regarding the “inhumane” working situation in various branches, mostly Districts.
It said the force is struggling to keep it daily commitments, and the situation could get even worse when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
This situation is being worsened after the Administration ordered that the amount of overtime be reduced, it said.
As a result, officers including Sergeants, whose duty is to work in the various stations around Malta and Gozo, are being ordered to cover Fixed Points with the result that the Police Stations are being depleted further from the necessary staff needed to offer a basic service to the general Public.
“Our districts are not equipped to handle a major accident where a large number of officers are required to intervene.”
The union said this was happening at a time where demands and instructions from the administration are increasing “to maintain attractive statistical numbers.”
“Facebook likes, surveys and ratings which mean nothing have become the priority to the Police Administration.”
It said the force was continuing to reduce the extra income police officers can earn during their free time so that they can live a decent life, together with their families.
The MPU said the police transformation strategy has brought “havoc” among police officers.
It said the police force cannot be led by someone behind a computer and also called on the government to intervene, adding that it had abandoned police officers.
The POU-GWU – another police union – also complained about the dwindling number of officers at police stations, as a result of transfers to other sections.
It said the administration was failing to appreciate the work carried out by district officers and created new regulations without consulting with the interested parties.
Morale in the districts has reached rock bottom, it said, with officers struggling to take a day of leave, which is a basic right.
The union said the forces needs to listen before implementing its strategy. It has called for a meeting with Police Comissioner Angelo Gafa to “review” certain situations that are affecting officers mentally and physically. It said that, despite being the ones on the frontline, district officers do not receive a branch allowance, unlike other sections. District police deserve respect, it said.