Three Maltese police officers recently visited the Thames Valley Police in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, to gain a better understanding of the role that the Police Patrol and Community Support Officers (PPCSO) will play once its service commences in Malta.

During the visit, the three Maltese officers - who form part of the Community Policing Team - participated in patrols in several localities in the community. They engaged with residents, took part in an operation to address crime in shops, discussed local priorities, and gained valuable experience of how the PPCSOs in the United Kingdom function.

This experience will now be passed on to those officers who will be selected as PPCSOs.

PPCSOs will be working hand-in-hand with the Police in communities to address residents' concerns. While PPCSOs do not have executive police powers, they will focus on assisting and addressing minor offences, thus boosting the police's visibility in towns and villages.

The Malta Police Force's Community Policing consultant, Chris Bull, said that neighbourhood policing in Malta is getting stronger every day, as officers are working tirelessly to make communities safer.

"Through Community Support Officers, the Police Force will be in a position to solve more local challenges, which affect the quality of life of our residents," Bull said.

Bull expressed his gratitude towards the Thames Valley Police in Milton Keynes for sharing their best practices and working with the Maltese officers to build greater resilience within Maltese teams.