Joining the Malta Police Force is more than employment—it’s a mission. Whether serving as a Police Constable or Inspector, you’ll be safeguarding communities, enforcing laws, and contributing to the security of our country. The work is challenging, yet highly respected and deeply rewarding.
If you’re ready to make a lasting impact, the Malta Police Force welcomes people with commitment, integrity, and drive. This guide gives you the full picture—what it takes to join, what to expect, and why it’s worth it.
Both ranks form the foundation of an effective and professional law enforcement service.
Making a difference is what motivates our officers the most. However recently, a new sectoral agreement has come into force. As a result, officers are benefitting from an increase in salary and better conditions of work.
Police salaries follow the public service Scale system, with annual increments and promotions.
To apply, you must:
Be a Maltese citizen
Be proficient in Maltese and English
Be medically and mentally fit
Fall within the age range of 18 to 38 years, meaning you must have reached your 18th birthday but not yet turned 39 by the reference date stated in the current recruitment call
You must possess at least MQF Level 3 qualifications, meeting one of the following standards:
Four SEC/O-Level passes (minimum Grade 5/C) including Maltese and English
A Level 3 VET qualification
A Secondary School Certificate & Profiling (SSC&P) with passes in Maltese, English, and two other subjects
An MCAST Level 3 Diploma, BTEC First Diploma, or City & Guilds Level 2 certificate in a relevant field
You must hold a recognised MQF Level 6 degree (180 ECTS), typically in:
Law, Criminology, Police Studies, Management, Social Policy, Psychology, or other relevant fields listed in the current call
The Malta Police Force allows the sporting of Tattoos in line with the department’s policy. Tattooing Zones are split into three distinct categories, each bearing a different regulation.
Legend | Zone | Regulation |
Non-Sporting Tattoos | Unregulated | |
Sporting Tattoos | Regulated | |
Extremities Tattoos | Prohibited |
What does vetting involve?
Vetting means that the Malta Police Force will carry out extensive security checks on all candidates, including on any of their:
Can I still apply if I have a committed a criminal offence?
Candidates are expected to have a clean conviction record, appropriate to the post applied for.
If I join, can I continue with my other business?
You must declare any alternative employment or any other business that you intend to maintain.
A decision on whether your business interest is compatible with performing the role of police officer within the Malta Police Force will be made based on the information you provide.
Why is the application process so lengthy?
The public expects every police officer to fulfil their duty by being fair and impartial. Therefore, the application process is a rigorous one that can take anywhere between four and up to eight months, depending on the number of applicants.
I feel I lack the necessary experience.
Do not let this discourage you from applying. Most of the time you might not realize that you have the skills that we are looking for!
Is policing a risky career?
Challenging situations are the norm in the police force. You can never predict what you will respond to. However, rest assured that the Malta Police Force will provide you with the necessary training, equipment, and ongoing support to deal with whatever you are faced with, not to mention 2,500 colleagues ready to have your back.
What hours will I be likely to work?
Police Constables work 42 hours in rotational Day, Night, Rest, Off shifts. This would include nights, weekends, and public holidays. All shifts will be available in advance meaning you will always know when you will be working.
Police Inspectors follow a 4-in-2 shift pattern (four days on, two days off), and are often on call depending on their unit and operational requirements. Flexibility and availability are important, especially during incidents and investigations.
