The Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security and the University of Malta have launched a National Safety and Security Monitor to measure perceptions of safety and security in the Maltese population over time. 

This research is expected to be carried out over a three-year period and will be coordinated by the University's Department of Cognitive Sciences led by Dr Gordon Sammut.

"A contract for the research was signed on the by the Pro-Rector of the University of Malta Saviour Zammit, representing the Rector, and the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security Kevin Mahoney. Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Michael Farrugia, the Ministry's Research and Policy coordinator Joseph Borg, Police Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar, Police Chief Executive Officer Angelo Gafa, and Prof. Ian Thornton from the University of Malta's Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences, were also present for the event," a statement read.

Saviour Zammit welcomed the support of the ministry for this initiative to conduct a national study in security science. "The University, through the Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences, is already spearheading a number of research projects in security science funded by the European Union. This project will help consolidate further the application of security science to Maltese society."

Minister Michael Farrugia stated that this collaboration between the ministry and the University of Malta will strengthen the continuous development of the specialised police units. "The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding is to establish collaboration between both parties in areas of mutual interest, particularly in security science, and to enable the sharing their respective strengths, experiences, technologies, methodologies and resources. The ministry will sponsor the research work which is to amount to €120,000 annually for a period of three years."

"The aim of the monitor will be to undertake research into matters of national safety and security in Malta. These include issues such as societal perceptions of personal, economic and cultural security in Malta, as well as developmental patterns in security perceptions and experiences over the entire lifespan. The monitor forms part of a wider collaboration between the ministry and the University in the area of security science, which includes scholarships in the field of security science at Master's and PhD level."