Teachers’ union decries police officer’s bullying attitude, issues fingerprints directive

The Malta Union of Teachers has called on its members not to give their fingerprints to the police and to immediately contact the union for assistance.

The directive was issued after several teachers at St Margaret College Cospicua Middle School were allegedly forced by the police to give their fingerprints. The police are investigating a theft that took place over the carnival holiday.

However, in a letter to the Education Minister, the MUT said the police had not carried out their investigations properly and it could not understand how all educators were being ordered to give their fingerprints when they were not even at school on the day of the theft.

“The police did not even bother to check the camera recordings on the school security system even though they were asked to do so by the head of school,” the MUT said.

It accused the police of failing to carry out a proper investigation. The police reportedly were unaware of who was on duty on the day of the theft and who had access to the staff-room when the school was closed for children.

“They did not even know who was abroad during the holidays or who was out on sick leave. Instead, all staff is being requested to give their fingerprints.”

Teachers also complained of the “arrogant tone” an inspector used. He allegedly went as far as telling a teacher she “would cry” if she refused to give her fingerprints.

“The Union, while having no qualms with helping with the investigation and encourage its members to do so as well, has no other option but to issue this directive to stand up to this type of bullying on its members,” the MUT said.