Following a cooperation agreement signed in December 2024 between the Italian Polizia di Stato and the Malta Police Force, joint patrols between Maltese and Italian police officers have commenced, the Malta police said Tuesday. This initiative aims to enhance public safety in areas of Malta that are frequently visited by tourists, particularly Italian-speaking visitors.
This operation forms part of a broader framework of bilateral cooperation between Italy and Malta in the field of security, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed last December between the Italian Department of Public Security and the Malta Police Force.
These joint patrols will take place during the summer months and will involve eight officers from the Polizia di Stato, divided into two groups: four officers will be in Malta from 21 July to 3 August, and another four from 4 August to 17 August. These officers, who will be in uniform but unarmed and without executive powers, will work alongside their Maltese counterparts to conduct preventive patrols and assist with public order duties. They will also provide assistance to Italian nationals present in these areas.
The patrols aim to strengthen cooperation between the two forces, with a particular focus on safety and crime prevention, especially in tourist hotspots. The main areas of focus will be Valletta and St Julian's, where the officers will support District Police Stations and Community Police units. Their duties will also include facilitating contact with Italian diplomatic and consular representatives, as well as liaising with local partners.
This marks the first time such an initiative is being implemented in Malta, and there are plans to repeat it during future summer seasons. The selected Italian officers come from various operational units across Italy and bring with them a wealth of professional experience, both in field operations and strong language capabilities, allowing for effective communication with both Maltese colleagues and the general public.
These officers-ranging from sergeants to inspectors-are highly qualified and experienced in public order operations and crime prevention. Many have previously participated in similar international missions across Europe. The initiative is being coordinated by the International Police Cooperation Services (SCIP) within the Italian Department of Public Security, in collaboration with the Security Expert's Office at the Italian Embassy in Malta.
The participating Polizia di Stato officers will be tasked with:
- Facilitating the exchange of information between police forces regarding the presence of Italian tourists in Malta;
- Assisting in communication between Italian citizens and the Malta Police or consular authorities;
- Enhancing cooperation and the sharing of information between the two police forces;
- Ensuring that all operations are closely coordinated with the Malta Police Force.
This proactive initiative forms part of the Malta Police Force's strategy, which focuses on strengthening international cooperation, advancing community policing practices, and modernizing the approach to public safety.
Ultimately, this represents a significant step forward in bilateral law enforcement cooperation, and a shared commitment to the values of the rule of law, human rights, and the protection of both citizens and tourists. The partnership between the Malta Police Force and the Italian Department of Public Security stands as a model for effective international collaboration in addressing today's complex security challenges.
The Malta Police Force has previously participated in other international agreements and missions abroad. In fact, Maltese officers recently took part in joint patrols in France, further demonstrating the Force's ongoing commitment to mutual cooperation and international efforts for public safety.