Prime Minister Robert Abela visited two sections within the Police Force in Ta’ Kandja, where he was able to see up close the specialized work carried out by the Rapid Intervention Unit (RIU) and the Special Intervention Unit (SIU).
During the visit, the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Minister for Home Affairs and Security Glenn Bedingfield and the Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà, delivered an important message of political commitment from the Government to implement a measure from the electoral manifesto in favour of the health and safety of officers in the disciplined forces.
Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the Government recognises the particular needs of officers of the disciplined forces and the particular challenges they face in the performance of their duties. He explained how in this legislature, as part of the implementation of the electoral manifesto, the Government wants to provide health insurance to all officers of the disciplined forces so that they have wider access to the health services they require.
The Prime Minister visited the training area and the fleet of operational vehicles of the two units. He was also given an explanation of the practical training that takes place in dedicated facilities, including exercises related to access to buildings in situations where the risk is classified as high.
Dr Abela thanked the RIU and SIU officers for the dedication, professionalism and courage they show every day in the performance of their duties and in protecting the security of the Maltese and Gozitan people.
He reiterated that the Government is committed to continuing to invest in the necessary personnel and resources, including adequate training and technological equipment, so that members of the Police Force can continue to provide excellent services. The Prime Minister stressed that investment in the Force is a direct investment in the security of families, communities and the country in general.
The RIU is the unit that covers response, in fact this unit works twenty-four hours a day. Its officers respond to a wide range of emergencies, including cases of domestic violence, traffic accidents, theft, fires and situations involving weapons. This unit of the Force also has a regular and visible presence in a number of areas around the country and also offers operational assistance to various other units within the Police Force.
In recent months, the RIU has continued to be strengthened through a new fleet of specialized vehicles and new uniforms specially designed to offer these officers greater mobility, comfort and efficiency while performing their duties.
On the other hand, the SIU section is responsible for the tactical response to high-risk situations, including cases involving hostages, armed individuals, terrorist threats and counter-drug operations. This section also provides specialized training in weapons, first aid and crowd control, among others.
Prime Minister Robert Abela concluded by saying that the Government will continue to support the Police Force so that officers continue to have the conditions, resources and training necessary to continue carrying out their duties with the highest level of professionalism, while further strengthening the public’s trust in them and keeping our communities safe.
Photos: OPM
