Government urged to reverse decision on assessment of senior police officers, ministry holds its ground

The Opposition spokesman for Home Affairs, Jason Azzopardi, has called on the government to reverse a decision whereby the performance of senior police officers will be reviewed every three years. "The decision undermines the autonomy of the police force.  How can a senior police officer investigate a report against the government or a minister when the government will be reviewing the police officer's performance every three years?" he asked at a press conference. Dr Azzopardi asked what criteria would be used to assess the police officers. He also expressed disappointment at comments by Acting Police Commissioner Ray Zammit that consultations had been made about this decision, insisting it was actually imposed. The opposition supported measures to improve performance and accountability in the police force, but not in this way, Dr Azzopardi said. The Malta Police Association last Friday said the "Addendum to the document regulating the conditions of service for the police force" was signed behind its back. It complained that the police commissioner, deputy and assistant commissioners ere being placed under temporary performance agreements which could be renewed. "It said that...