Yesterday morning, 120 recruits started their career as constables in the Malta Police Force, comprised of 92 males and 28 females. This was the first passing out parade taking place at ta’ Kandja Academy, since it was set up as an Academy for Disciplined Forces. The ceremony was presided by the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela and the Commissioner of Police Lawrence Cutajar.

Minister Abela said that thanks to this recruitment, the police disctrics will contine to be strengthened. At present, there are more than 1,000 members stationed in districts. Mr Abela spoke on the importance of a modern, proactive force closer to the community, through more patroling and contact with different sectors of community.

He said that towards this aim, currently the Force is undergoing a restructuring procees including in human resources. This includes new recruitment/calls for different roles and the aim to  increase the role of civilians for administrative work. Hence, police officers will remain focused on law enforcement, criminal investigations and public protection.

During his speech, Hon. Abela made reference to the ongoing work in the strengthening of skills. He noted that around 260 police officers, in the last three years, were given training abroad in specialised fields in around 20 different EU countries.

He remarked that with the setting up of the Academy, a board composed of professionals and a Director of Studies, the vision for the way forward is towards accredited programs with more training opportunities abroad. This goes together with a culture where training goes beyond induction recrtuitment to continous training for career advancement.

The Minister for Home Affairs made reference to the benefits that these constables will enjoy in the field of working conditions. He recalled that new rights were introduced including right of representation, more flexible working hours and reduction in tax rate for extra duties.

For the last 14 weeks these recruits were exposed to intensive training both academic and practical addressing situations that they will encounter. This included presentation of evidence in court, dealing with victims of crime, scene of crime management and subjects related to domestic violence, drug trafficking, cybercrime and economic crimes.