VOICE OF THE
WORKERS ISSUE 43 OCTOBER 2014
Workers in Law Enforcement: The human aspect
Contents Without Fear or Favour
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Milestones in the history of the Armed Forces of Malta
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Milestones in the history of the malta police force
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The Rule of Law
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Law and Order: Malta and Beyond
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CIA: Law and Order
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EDITOR’S NOTE JOSEF VELLA Law and Order are the very basis of democracy in every country. The quality of members working in law enforcement is consequently essential. The benefits of efficient and quality, effective law enforcement are multi-faceted. First of all, it is the workers and their families that stand to gain from feeling supported and satisfied in their job. However, society at large is also a net
beneficiary of good and effective law enforcement. Living in a safe environment, where the rule of law is the norm and where justice is applicable to all, significantly increases social stability and wellbeing. There are hundreds of workers in law enforcement in Malta. These range from members of the Police Force, the Armed
In law enforcement activities, issues such as unpredictability, violence, and hostile environments are important aspects of everyday life VOICE OF THE
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Forces, Civil Protection, Prison Guards and traffic wardens. The Police Force has been in existence since 1814, and is celebrating two hundred years since its foundation. The Armed Forces of Malta was founded in 1970. Local wardens in Malta are the most recent addition to the law enforcement, founded in the 90’s. Workers in these sectors face a variety of challenges in their everyday duties. In law enforcement activities, issues such as unpredictability, violence, and hostile environments are important aspects of everyday life. This brings about a diversity of pressures on 1
EDITORIAL
the individual that need particular attention. In such situations, the need to be tough and prepared may result in a culture whereby individual psychological needs are not addressed. Studies show that in these occupations, stress is high. A study showed that 92% of workers in this sector reported being stressed, with the top three contributors being workload, lack of support, and violence, threats and bullying (Unison, UK, 2014). It is essential that workers active in the field of law enforcement get the support they deserve. The service is not an expense; it is rather a wise investment.
Malta has done the right thing in providing the right of association of members of the Police Force, the Armed Forces and Prison guards to be trade union members. This means that practically, all sectors in the labour market can form part of trade unions. This right of working through solidarity between workers had been denied to these categories for far too long. It is essential however, that these workers’ rights to freedom of association is really and truly upheld. These workers need all the support and respect they can get. They need continuous training not just that they possess all the
necessary skills to act well in particular situations, but also to have the necessary tools to cope with the elements inherent in their work. Investment in their physical environment needs to be stepped up, especially when it comes to police stations. Former American Senator Robert Kennedy once stated that “Every society gets the kind of criminal it deserves. What is equally true is that every community gets the kind of law enforcement it insists on”. That is what are doing and what we will be continuing to insist on as a union, starting with the right of these workers to achieve the best working life possible. PICTURE STORY
Without Fear or Favour The enforcers of law and order in the land; the keepers of the peace and the arms of justice in the land. Our law enforcers, in whatever sphere depend a great deal on the trust they are afforded from society. It is therefore essential that all the sectors of law enforcement do their utmost to keep contact with the public. This they can do through the right public relations, as well as through setting an example. It is through individual responsibility that collective trust can be achieved.
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MILESTONES IN THE HISTORY OF THE ARMED FORCES OF MALTA
MILESTONES HISTORY ARMED FORCES OF MALTA IN THE
OF THE
1800 Brigadier General Thomas Graham raised the first official embodiment of Maltese Troops in the British Army, which became known as the Maltese Light Infantry. 1815 Lieutenant Colonel Count Francis Rivarola was entrusted with the task of raising the Royal Malta Fencible Regiment 1861 The Royal Malta Fencible Regiment was converted to an artillery regiment in 1861 1889 The Royal Malta Artillery was formed 1903 “King’s Own Royal Malta Regiment of Militia” was formed. VOICE OF THE
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1941 The Royal Malta Artillery, more widely known as the RMA, is famed for the part it played during the siege of Malta during the Second World War. 1970 With an Act of Parliament, the Armed Forces of Malta came into being with some 500 officers and men plus equipment transitioning from the British Army to the Maltese Government’s responsibility. Around 100 other men from the Royal Engineers (Malta) also opted to join on their disbandment plus another number from the Royal Signals. 1973 Armed Forces of Malta succeed Malta Land Force (new responsibilities included the raising of the Malta Pioneer Corps (MPC) and Dirghajn il-Maltin)
1980-1988 The Armed Forces were divided into two separate units known as the Armed Forces of Malta and the Task Force, each commanded by a Colonel (The Dejma labour corps replaces the Malta Pioreer Corps/ Dirghin il-Maltin from 1981 to 1989) 1988 The two units were reamalgamated into the AFM under the command of a Brigadier. Today, The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) consists of a Force Headquarters and five separate units - three land units, an air wing and a maritime squadron. The AFM also have a Reserve and an Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force. (source: www.afm.gov.mt)
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MILESTONES IN THE HISTORY OF THE MALTA POLICE FORCE
MILESTONES HISTORY MALTA POLICE FORCE IN THE
OF THE
MALTA POLICE FORCE IS ONE OF THE OLDEST POLICE FORCES IN EUROPE
1814 Malta Police Force founded under the British Governor Sir Thomas Maitland 1921 After the grant of self-government in 1921, the police department became the responsibility of the Maltese government.
2014 The Police Force celebrates its 200th anniversary since its foundation. Today, the Police force amounts to around 1,900 police with 106 other civilian employees.
Sections of Police Force include CID, Drug Squad, Vice Squad and Economic Crimes Unit, Protective Services, Administrative Law Enforcement Unit (source: www.police.gov.mt)
WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT SOLDIERS AND POLICEMEN... If I have got to be a soldier, I must be a good one, anything else is unthinkable. WILFRED OWEN ENGLISH POET AND SOLDIER My heroes are those who risk theor lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place - police, firefighters and VOICE OF THE
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members of our armed forces. SIDNEY SHELDON AMERICAN WRITER The police are the public and the public are the police; the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the
interests of community welfare and existence. ROBERT PEEL BRITISH PRIME MINISTER If you think people are inherently good, you get rid of the police for 24 hours - see what happens. SYLVESTER STALLONE AMERICAN ACTOR
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MEUSAC
THE RULE OF LAW Democratic states function through the rule of law. This enables them to have fair and functioning societies, based on four universal principles: • The government, its officials and agents, together with individuals and private entities, are accountable under the law. • The laws are clear, publicised, stable, and just; are applied evenly; and protect fundamental rights, including the security of persons and property. • The process by which the laws are enacted, administered, and enforced is accessible, fair, and efficient. • Justice is delivered timely by competent, ethical, and independent representatives that are of sufficient number, have adequate resources, and reflect the make-up of the communities they serve. European Union (EU) Member States function through the
use of the same principles. However, as the EU is more akin to a federation of states, Member States also uphold EU laws, which are adopted by the European Parliament and the EU Council. EU laws are based on the principles set out in the EU treaties which specify those policy areas in which the EU can take decisions and adopt laws in the form of Regulations, Directives and Decisions. Regulations are the most direct form of EU law because, as soon as they are adopted, they are binding throughout every Member State, at par with national laws. National governments do not have to take action themselves to implement EU Regulations. Directives are another form of EU law but are different to Regulations in that Directives lay down certain end results that must be achieved in every Member State. National
authorities are then bound to adapt their laws to meet these goals, but are free to decide how to do so. Decisions apply in specific cases only, involving particular authorities or individuals, and only bind the parties to whom they are addressed. Each Member State is responsible for the implementation of EU law as it needs to adopt the implementing measures before a specified deadline. There must be conformity and correct application within its own legal system. Consequently, where a Member State fails to comply with EU law, the European Commission has powers, given by the treaties, to bring the infringement to an end. This is termed as an action for non-compliance. Where necessary, it may refer the case to the Court of Justice of the EU.
MEUSAC 280 Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1112 Tel: +356 2200 3315 • Fax: +356 2200 3329 • Email: info.meusac@gov.mt www.meusac.gov.mt VOICE OF THE
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MCESD
Law and Order
Malta and Beyond Law and order serve as guidelines to citizens all over the world as to what is acceptable in society. Without law and order there would be constant conflict between individuals. Law is the only mechanism which allows individuals to achieve their goals and protect their rights. It allows nations to prosper economically and provides protection to victims. In spite of the fact that all countries have their own set of laws they themselves are also regulated by international law. There are international organisations such as the United Nations which have the power to engage in relations governed by international law with states as well as other international organisations. The role of such organisations can be seen particularly in human rights development and prosecution of war criminals.
In International Relations terms, law and order are key for global economic development and prosperity. When looking at international history, one can easily deduce the correlation between peace and economic stability- economic stability that is shared both between countries as well as within countries can foster global and national peace. In turn, peace is crucial for trade and economic prosperity. Nationally, a justice reform is currently underway which will definitely help in improving the way certain parts of our legal system work. The legal system is one which needs to adapt to national and global changes. In 2014, an MCESD Council meeting was held with Honourable Minister Owen Bonnici, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government.
MCESD 280/3, Republic Street, Valletta, VLT1112 Tel: (+356) 2200 3300 www.mcesd.org.mt VOICE OF THE
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GWU BUDGET 2015 CIA
Law and Order The EU’s REFIT strategy: making EU law lighter, simpler and less costly REFIT is the European Commission’s Regulatory Fitness and Performance programme. Action is taken to make EU law simpler and to reduce regulatory costs, thus contributing to a clear, stable and predictable regulatory framework supporting growth and jobs.
The European Union Military Committee (EUMC) is the highest military body set up within the Council It directs all EU military activities and provides the Political and Security Committee (PSC) with advice and recommendations on military matters. http://goo.gl/1J6c12
To do this successfully, REFIT requires a joint effort between the European Commission, the European Council, the European Parliament, Member States and stakeholders. Every level of government should be involved to ensure that the benefits are realised at least cost for citizens and business. The Commission welcomes input, data and evidence to its Regulatory Fitness Agenda: Have your say! More information available here: http://goo.gl/yJnnis
Information about the EU Smart Regulation To ensure that EU action is effective, the Commission assesses the impact of policies, legislation, trade agreements and other measures at every stage - from planning to implementation and review.
Want to get involved in European policy making? There are a number of ways of doing just that: • European Citizens’ Initiative • Public consultations • Petitions to the European Parliament • Commission at Work – Notifications and Transparency Register • Formal complaints
Check all the information at the following link: http://goo.gl/muTF1K
More information are available at this link: http://goo.gl/cH8FS3
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INFORMATION AND TOOLS
The main objectives of the EU are to grant national law enforcement authorities access to relevant information (such as DNA and fingerprint databases or the immigration database VIS), improve police cooperation within a common framework of personal data protection and develop a European Information Exchange Model. http://goo.gl/novzqp
HAVE YOUR SAY!
NEWS AND VIEWS
EU MILITARY COMMITTEE
POLICE COOPERATION
The following information was gathered by the Brussels office of the Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori
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