The Malta Police Association said the recruitment system for police officers needed to be revised and updated to meet today’s requirements.

In a statement, the association said education and academic training serve as the main columns on which society is built. But whereas in other sectors there were opportunities for employees to prepare themselves for their line of work, this was not available for police officers.

No course that exists at present satisfies the criteria needed for new officers to be adequately prepared for their job. The Police Academy should be converted into an autonomous and professional institution, where officers-to-be receive training from professionals.

The academy should have the competence to draw up courses that are more suitable for today’s needs, the association said. These courses must offer theoretical as well as practical training.