Police Board

Summary

The Police Board was created by Act XIII of 2002 (consolidated into the Police Act, Cap. 164) and retained in the 2017 recodification. Up to five members — none of whom may be public officers, members of the House of Representatives, or local councillors — are appointed by the President of Malta acting on the advice of the Home Affairs Minister for two-year renewable terms; removal requires a resolution of the House of Representatives. The Board's functions (art. 49) include inquiring into complaints from the public and from officers, monitoring internal-affairs proceedings, supervising detention-cell conditions, and monitoring the Internal Affairs Unit. It may summon witnesses on oath (art. 48(6)) and compel document production, but is statutorily prohibited from accessing exempt documents or materials connected to an active criminal investigation (art. 54). In its decisions it may recommend action (art. 53); it has no binding discipline power and does not independently investigate use-of-force incidents. The Board submits an annual report to the Minister, the Commissioner of Police, and the House of Representatives Social Affairs Committee (art. 57).