The Ministry of Home Affairs and National Security and the University of Malta have launched a National Safety and Security Monitor which will measure perceptions of safety and security in the Maltese population over time. This research is expected to take three years and will be coordinated by the University’s Department of Cognitive Sciences led by Dr Gordon Sammut.
A contract for the research was signed this morning 26th February by the Pro-Rector of the University of Malta, Prof. Saviour Zammit, representing Rector, and the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Home Affairs & National Security, Mr Kevin Mahoney. The Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Michael Farrugia, the Ministry’s Research and Policy coordinator Dr Joseph Borg, the Police Commissioner Mr Lawrence Cutajar, the Police Chief Executive Officer Mr Angelo Gafa, and Prof. Ian Thornton from the University of Malta’s Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Media & Knowledge Sciences, were also present for the event.
Prof. 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 & 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”.
The Minister Michael Farrugia stated that this collaboration between the Ministry and the University of Malta will strengthen the continuous development of the Police Specialised units. The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding is to establish collaboration between both Parties in the areas of mutual interest particularly in security science and share their respective strengths, experiences, technologies, methodologies and resources. The Ministry will sponsor the research work which shall amount to €120,000 annually for a period of 3 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 security, economic security and cultural security in Malta, and developmental patterns in security perceptions and experiences over the entire life-span. The Monitor is part of a wider collaboration between the Ministry and the University in the area of security science which includes scholarships in Security Science at Master and PhD level.