Policing in Malta

Malta is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the European Union, with relatively low rates of violent crime. The primary law enforcement agency is the Malta Police Force (MPF). Established in 1814, it is one of the oldest continuous police forces in Europe.

The MPF handles everything from community policing and traffic control to major criminal investigations and immigration control. The force operates out of the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Floriana, but there are local police stations (Għassa tal-Pulizija) in almost every major town and village across Malta and Gozo.

English is one of Malta's official languages, and practically all police officers are bilingual. Expats will have no trouble communicating with the police in English when asking for directions, reporting a crime, or filing paperwork.

It is vital to know who to call in different situations. Malta uses the standard European emergency numbers, alongside specific local lines.

A common point of confusion for expats is the difference between the Malta Police Force and LESA (Local Enforcement System Agency). They wear different uniforms and handle different jurisdictions.

• LESA Officers (Community Officers / "Wardens"): They wear light blue/grey shirts and dark trousers. Their primary role is enforcing traffic regulations (issuing parking tickets), overseeing environmental offenses (littering), and managing traffic flow during roadworks. If you are involved in a minor traffic accident (front-to-rear collision) where no one is injured, you must call LESA (2132 0202), not the Police.
• The Police: They wear dark blue uniforms. They handle all criminal matters. The police will only attend a traffic accident if there are injuries, if government property is damaged, if a driver is suspected of being under the influence, or if it's a hit-and-run.

If you are a victim of a crime (e.g., theft, vandalism, assault) or need to report a lost item (like a passport or residency card), you must file an official report.

• Go to the local station: For non-emergencies, visit the police station in the locality where the incident occurred.
• Bring ID: Always bring your passport or Maltese e-Residence card when filing a report.
• Give your statement: An officer will take your statement in English and type it into the National Police System.
• Get the Reference Number: Once the report is filed, the officer will give you a printed copy or a slip with a Police Report Reference Number. This is crucial. You will need this number to claim insurance for stolen goods or to apply for a replacement ID/Passport with Identità or your embassy.

For minor offenses, you can also utilize the Malta Police Force's online reporting system, though going in person is generally faster for generating official insurance-compliant paperwork.

A Police Conduct Certificate (Ċertifikat tal-Kondotta) is an official document detailing whether you have a criminal record in Malta. As an expat, you will frequently be asked to provide this document.

When do you need it?

• Applying for a job (especially in iGaming, finance, healthcare, or security).
• Applying for or renewing certain visas/residency permits via Identità.
• Applying for specialized licenses (e.g., a taxi driver tag).

How to obtain it:

In recent years, the Malta Police Force has successfully rolled out a Community Policing initiative across the islands. This approach shifts away from purely reactive policing toward proactive community engagement.

In localities with Community Policing (such as Sliema, St. Julian's, Mellieħa, and St. Paul's Bay—areas with high expat populations), you will frequently see officers patrolling on foot, bicycles, or Segways. Their mandate is to be highly approachable, solve neighborhood disputes, address noise complaints (a common issue in densely populated Maltese towns), and build trust within the community.