In Malta there are approximately 2,400 police officers and all of them are stationed in different specialized sections and units in order to focus on every unique job better. Two of the most important units in the police force are the Special Intervention Unit and the Rapid Intervention Unit.
Inspector Malcolm Sammut from the Special Intervention Unit had this to say whilst speaking to TVM News “On average, it is estimated that the squad has between 10 and 16 operations, classified as high risk. The criteria for eligibility to join this section are strict, with rigorous physical and mental fitness tests and continuous evaluation of the physical and mental condition of each member of the SIU.”
Sammut later on also revealed that SIU members are given intensive technical training from foreign specialized squads.
The Rapid Intervention Unit also requires a unique set of skills as officers are sometimes required to work under intense pressure in short spaces of time.
Inspector Raymond Azzopardi explained that the 72 police officers who form part of this section concentrate on patrols and often are the first to intervene in crimes.
He later told TVM News “They are the first people to go on the scene of the crime, as soon as a report comes in from the control room in cases of emergency. Obviously the work varies – from a simple argument to perhaps more serious cases where knives and firearms are involved.”
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