Revenue Security Corps - Armed Forces of Malta

en whose engagement was terminated when the British Forces were withdrawn from Malta on 31 March 1979. The Corps’ primary commitments centred mainly with Customs Duties – during this initial period, members of the RSC worked jointly with officers of Customs during the release of merchandise from private bonded stores. When these private Bonded stores were then centralised at Ricasoli Complex and then transferred to the newly built container complex at Hal-Far, members of the RSC were entrusted to cover security duties at this post. By the end of 1978, the Revenue Security Corps Investigations Section (now recognized as R.S.I.S.) Its main tasks were to carry out investigative work and collect dues for the Inland Revenue Department. Members joining this section were bound by oath after being sworn in at the Court of Appeals Valletta under certain Income Tax Acts and Legislations. In addition, members working in this section (in Plain Clothes) also carried out inspections at places of entertainment for Entertainment Tax purposes. As time went by, this section was entrusted with further duties for the Social Policy/Succession Departments as well for the Directorate VAT and other Government entities where collection of revenue and other enquiries are concerned. Intakes of additional personnel followed between 1986 and 1994. With an increase in the Corps’ strength, further duties were entrusted to the Corps – these included armed guard protection duties with Commercial Bank Branches both in Malta and Gozo. Later the RSC was committed to provide armed guard protection duties at the various cash offices of Government Departments and other parastatal entities. These men provide a professional security service, which is usually tailored to suit the client’s needs. The formation of the Cash Es**rt Unit was in mid July 1992 to provide security during cash transfers on a professional basis. These men undergo specialised training in the field of cash-in-transit and personnel protection. Mobile Training Team from the USA and The Missione Italiana Assistenza Tecnica Militare (MIATM) together with AFM Training sources always assisted with the training of these men so that they are always confident with new tactics and enhance their personal capabilities in their field of work. The team uses adequate transport and weapons to suit their role of duty. Members of the RSC begin their recruitment by following a basic course in various military skills and other specialised training connected with the role of duties of the Corps. RSC personnel undergo regular training and classification in the use of small arms. These courses are tailored to suit the particular situations relevant to the exigencies of the Corps. Since its inception, the Corps was entrusted with various duties, and to mention just a few, these included patrol schedules which was responsible for the supervision of personnel working outside barracks, supervision during the loading/unloading of containers and trailers at customs enclosed areas, such as the Deep Water Quay and Laboratory Wharf respectively to ensure that excise duty is paid on imported goods. Special attention was also given to ensure that merchandise subject to controlled importation or prohibited goods are barred from entering the country illegally. Merchandise was always checked against Customs Related Documents. Random checks were also carried out by RSC patrol units on containers/trailers loaded with goods while these were in transit from Customs Depots to their releasing destinations. Members of the RSC were assigned duties on various Government Boards of Survey such as Printing/Destruction of Postage Stamps, Printing of Passports, Destruction of Government or seized property by fire and the Printing and Production of Customs Banderols. This reputation of the RSC was notorious and complemented by the authorities during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held between 21 and 28 November 2005. Then, RSC personnel were involved in security and es**rt of VIPs taking part in the meeting. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as decrease in the personnel strength and other administrative reasons, certain tasks had to be curtailed. The present duties of the Revenue Security Corps are now mainly concentrated with providing armed guard protection duties with commercial bank branches, cash offices of government and other entities both in Malta and Gozo. Personnel are also attached to the VAT Inspectorate Section. The RSC Investigation Section is still giving valuable service to the Inland Revenue, Social Policy, VAT Departments and Tax Compliance Unit respectively. The RSC was also committed to provide personnel on secondment to the Irregular Immigrants Detention Services. The Corps celebrated its 25th Anniversary from its inception on 2nd October 2003 with a Mass at St Mary’s Chapel followed by receptions at the Jerma Palace Hotel and Headquarters Revenue Security Corps Luqa Barracks to mark this event. From August 2007 till October 2010, the Revenue Security Corps was entrusted with the security at Euro Coin Depot, situated at Luqa Barracks, Several RSC personnel were recalled to base from other external duties to perform this task. The control of access to the barracks was entrusted to these professional military security guards, who in addition to having the necessary qualifications and benefit from ongoing training, are also empowered to search all employees and visitors. This also includes the registering, control and monitoring of all vehicles entering and leaving barracks. Armed security guards at the Euro Depot itself, and along its perimeter area, ensure that no unauthorised access can be gained onto the premises. Every organisation, irrespective of size, must invariably depend on hard work, integrity, honesty, efficiency and discipline. These qualities are of vital importance for any individual who is specifically appointed to perform such guard duties. Individuals who are selected to perform security duties are aware that their primary objectives should be the safeguarding of the specific property against all threats and hazards. The present 108 men strength is still carrying out its duties to their full capabilities despite certain limitations and the Corps is renowned for the efficient way it handles its daily commitments. The following is the list of Officers who commanded the Corps since its set-up in October 1978:-

Major John Sultana October 1978 to January 1989
Major Crispin Camilleri January 1989 to January 1993
Major Mario Schembri January 1993 to December 1997 (now Lt Col.) Captain Anthony Attard January 1998 to April 2004
Captain Philip Mifsud May 2004 to January 2008
Lieutenant Michael St John January 2008 to February 2011