Malta Police Force

The Malta Police Force was established under Sir Thomas Maitland's governorship in 1813-1814. Initially set up during Malta's transition to a British crown colony, it was structured into executive and judicial branches to enhance law and order. The Inspector General of the Police, today known as Commissioner, was to be placed at the head of the Executive Police. The Magistrates for the Island of Malta and Gozo were to be placed at the head of the Judicial Police. From 12th July 1814 onwards the entire management and control of the Executive Police came under the immediate supervision of the Inspector-General of Police who received his orders from the Governor.

The Inspector-General of Police was given power and authority to suppress all common affrays, riots and breaches of the peace and to apprehend and imprison, or cause to be apprehended and imprisoned, all persons guilty thereof or guilty, or suspected to be guilty, of any crime or offence whatsoever against the public welfare. He also had authority to superintend and regulate all inn-keepers of coffee houses, liquor shops and other shops, as well as all persons who kept horses, calesses, carts or other carriages or boats for hire, or who exercised the business of a porter or carrier. Another duty was the superintendence of all foreigners coming into Malta.

Following Malta's self-governance in 1921, the Police Force fell under local government control, marking a significant transition in its administration and operational focus.

When Malta became a colony of the United Kingdom and Ireland by the Treaty of Paris, Thomas Maitland was appointed governor and commander-in-chief of Malta and its Dependencies by the Prince Regent’s Commission of July 13, 1813. On his appointment, Maitland, embarked on many far-reaching reforms, including the maintenance of law and order. By Proclamation XXII of 1st July 1814, Maitland ordered and directed that all powers up to then exercised with respect to the administration of the police of the Island of Malta and its dependencies were, after 12th July 1814 to be administered by the authorities under established procedures.