Eighteen new police inspectors were presented with their certificates of appointment in an official ceremony held at the Police Headquarters in Floriana.

Three of new inspectors also took the oath as new members of the Police Force, as they will start serving within the Police Force for the first time.

The ceremony was chaired by the Minister Home Affairs Byron Camilleri and the Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà.

While congratulating the new Inspectors on this new chapter in their career, Camilleri urged them to set an example as leading officers because they are in charge of motivating the lower ranks.

"To feel the pulse of the community you have to be among the community. In this way, trust grows in you and in the people you will lead, and this is also how good relations within the community are maintained,” the minister said.

Camilleri said that the government is and will remain grateful for the work that the police, as part of the disciplined bodies, do for the benefit of society, adding that evidence of this recognition are the measures that the government announced in the last weeks, including the 23% increase in the pension for those who have already done or intend to do 29 years of service, and the incentive of two years pay, for those who do four years of additional service beyond the 29 years.

The minister also made reference to the extension of the service pension to the widows of officers of disciplined bodies who died either before completing 25 years of service or in the time between the completion of the service and retirement age.

On his part, Gafà told the new inspectors that through this new position they have chosen an advancing career. He urged them to take decisions for the good of the Police Force and society.

"This is the moment of your trial. Be an inspiration and motivate your colleagues. Put the customers first and foremost. Be empathetic with the victims. All these should be placed at the centre of your operation and be accountable, fair, honest, humble and of service to the people," said Gafà.

Both the Police Commissioner together with the Minister, paid tribute to the memory of Superintendent Jesmond Borg, who died a few days ago.

They said that how Borg gave his impeccable service during his career and should serve as a model for anyone who wants to build a career within the Force.