56 recruits joined the Police Force as constables, after completing the Training Course for Recruits. The training, which lasted six months, was conducted by the Disciplined Forces Academy, where it includes, among others, physical and academic training. This course, which is accredited at the MQF4 level by the Malta Authority for Advanced and Higher Education, will lead to these new constables starting to provide service to the community and the country.
A total of 63 subjects were taught in this course such as ethics, diversity, the laws of Malta, rules and procedures, investigations of crimes such as domestic violence, child abuse, sexual offenses and awareness on mental health, among others.
In the message passed to the new constables, the Minister for the Interior, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri claimed how the police should be part of the community, not only to protect the vulnerable but to be aware of society’s needs.
“You will join a Police Force that has experienced a number of changes in recent times. A change that continued to strengthen the many good things that have been done over the years, and continued to change the Body that can face modern challenges. Changes that have led to the fact that thanks to your colleagues, the crime rate has decreased. Changes that led to people having much more confidence in the Police Force. In that uniform, which you are wearing today for the first time, and you will wear it for many years to come, remember one thing – that trust is lent to you. Very difficult to win, very easy to lose,” repeated Minister Camilleri.
In an address to new members, the Commissioner of Police, Angelo Gafà, said “you and taking the oath, little did you consider what a great responsibility you will be carrying on your shoulders from now on” forward. Right today it is really important to understand that the uniform we wear and the powers that have been handed down today are lent to us by our people. This means that in everything we do and in every way we act we must first and foremost ensure the common good.”
During the ceremony on Tuesday afternoon there was also the presentation of the prizes, of the two best recruits in the academic subjects (first place Chantelle Mifsud; second place Christiana Gatt); and in the practical subjects (first place Nicolai Luke Fenech; second place Nathan Frendo).
The prize of the recruit who distinguished himself the most during the course (the Mark Farrugia Shield), was given to Darren Borg.
