Understanding corruption in the police force : the impact of education and training on such

Abstract

This study evaluates and strives to understand the complex phenomenon of police corruption in Malta and the impact of education and training on this issue. Furthermore, it delves into other measures and reforms that might control or mitigate police corruption. The purpose of this study is to address the lack of attention and importance give to this issue in Malta. As a result of such inattention, unethical police officers continue to engage in illicit activities without being checked. Moreover, it is perceived that as a result of this situation, public trust in the Malta Police Force (MPF) continues to decrease. This research study adopted a qualitative research approach, which enabled the researcher to conduct semi-structured interviews with professional individuals in this area. The obtained data was analysed vis-à-vis existing literature on police corruption. The findings suggest that police corruption in Malta is not just a sporadic issue but is widespread. Hence, it is necessary for the MPF, with the assistance of policymakers and the Maltese Parliament, to start tackling this issue by implementing various measures and reforms aimed at mitigating police corruption. If such measures are not implemented in the near future, public trust will continue to decrease. As a result, the MPF will lose its moral high ground and will therefore find it difficult to uphold the rule of law.