PN pledges to reopen police station and improve salaries of disciplined forces
Alex Borg announces package of proposals on security
The Nationalist Party has promised better salaries for members of the disciplined forces and the reopening of police stations as part of a package of pledges related to security and public order.
“We will invest to attract the best talent to the forces and give them a better infrastructure to help them with their work, PN leader Alex Borg said.
He announced a package of proposals to cover the police, the armed forces, the Civil Protection Department and correctional officers, including better wages and conditions, and a scheme whereby officers who opt to serve beyond 25 years would receive their service pension in addition to their salary. The service pension would increase every year to reach two-thirds of current salaries. Retired members of the disciplined forces would also receive a cost-of-living adjustment.
The party is also proposing the creation of an independent board to address injustices within the forces and ensure that remedies or compensation are provided where necessary.
Another proposal would seek to encourage former members of the disciplined forces who felt disillusioned or wronged to return to the service.
The PN also pledged to reopen all police stations. It said community police would become more integrated into the police station system.
Police stations would also be renovated to make them safer and more welcoming, particularly for people seeking help.
Borg and the shadow minister for home affairs Darren Carabott said a PN government would invest in the modernisation of the Armed Forces, with a focus on cybersecurity, modern technology, search and rescue operations and national defence.
In the prison sector, dignity and rehabilitation programmes would be introduced, focused on reintegration, including an emphasis on community work for young offenders.
Another proposal focuses on drug trafficking. The PN said it would invest in advanced technology at ports to stop illegal substances from reaching Malta.
Carabott said the proposals were only the beginning of the party’s security plans, with more measures due to be announced.