Four new deputy police commissioners have been appointed.

They are Silvio Valletta - for criminal investigations, Mario Spiteri - for human resources and administration, Carmelo Magri - for operative work and districts; and Antoine Casha - for legal affairs, finances, information technology and communications.

The four new commissioners had served as assistant commissioners for a number of years and were considered competent and specialised in the sectors assigned to them.

Last January, deputy commissioner Casha had asked a court to issue a warrant of prohibitory injunction to stop the appointment of a new deputy commissioner of police.

He argued that he had placed fourth among five applicants after the applications were considered by a selection board in December.