During a ceremony held at Police Headquarters in Floriana, 21 constables were promoted to the rank of Sergeant. The ceremony was presided over by Home Affairs, Security and Employment Minister Byron Camilleri and Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà.

Speaking during the appointment of the new sergeants, Minister Byron Camilleri said that the appointment as a sergeant in the force is an appointment which shows that the time they have spent so far in the force showed dedication and commitment towards the service and the uniform they wear.

“For a disciplined force such as the police, you will play a crucial role. You must be a supportive pillar for both the leadership team and your superiors. We know above all that to ensure that our society has peace of mind, we need to invest in you and do everything we can to be safe in the performance of your duties. We have done this because we believe in you, we have confidence in the Police force and we have a strong commitment to be close to you because our heart is with the workers”, said Minister Camilleri.

In his speech, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Angelo Gafà, spoke about four values: impartiality, integrity, respect and leadership.

He said that Police officers need to take impartial decisions where with the actions they take they ensure equality and respect towards all individuals while avoiding prejudice or favouritism. He mentioned that every police officer is obliged to consistently adhere to moral and ethical principles, while acting honestly, transparently and be accountable in all actions they take.

“You who have now been appointed as Police Sergeants have a greater responsibility to carry. You must, among other things, lead your colleagues by guiding them and giving them positive examples through the actions and decisions you take”, said Commissioner Gafà.

He concluded by saying to the new sergeants that during their work they have to incorporate respect by treating everyone with dignity, courtesy, and consideration, while ensuring that their actions promote inclusiveness, justice, and professionalism.

“You should now be agents of change and therefore this is an opportunity to make change from now on and be leaders with a vision and motivating your colleagues. The position of sergeant carries responsibility and therefore brings clients to the centre of your operations and be accountable, fair, honest, integrity and of service to the people”, said Commissioner Gafà.

Before being officially appointed, the new Sergeants underwent a course of around 14 weeks at the Academy of Disciplined Forces in Ta ‘Kandja, where among the subjects given training for were road accident investigations; information on criminal laws and court proceedings; investigations into crime scenes; ethics; fundamental human rights; as well as information on engagement with the Community; how to help victims of crime; data Protection information and the transformation Strategy; among others.