Police appointments 'more transparent than ever'

The appointment of two assistant police commissioners and nine superintendents were awarded in a more transparent way than ever before, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said.

Dr Borg was reacting to criticism by Labour spokesman Gavin Gulia, who alleged that an inspector who was being investigated by the police ended up being promoted to superintendent.

The minister said all the appointments were made by the Public Service Commission after interviews were held and any complaints against any of the officers were investigated by both the PSC and the Police Commissioner.

The interview tested candidates' knowledge of law, police procedures and other related matters. The track record of the applicants was taken into account, as were arraignments, successful prosecutions, the amount of sick leave taken and any cases of breach of discipline.

"Promotions used to be given following a recommendation by the Commissioner of Police and the PSC used to endorse it but could veto a promotion. We have changed that process and made it more serious," Dr Borg said.

Contacted for his reactions to the allegations, Police Commissioner John Rizzo said: "All those who have been appointed were promoted because they deserved it. I congratulate all of them".

Sources said that during the promotion exercise, allegations about an inspector who had been promoted were made. This had happened after the Prime Minister made the appointments, following the PSC's recommendations.

The allegations were investigated by a board independent of the selection board, which interviewed police officers above and below the rank of inspector. None of the serious allegations made were found to be correct.

"There were some minor shortcomings but these were not serious enough for the promotion to be reversed," the sources added.

"It is worth pointing out that the person against whom the allegations were made never had any cases before the PSC," the sources said.