On Thursday 25 February, an agreement was signed between the Malta Police Force, the University of Malta's Department of Criminology, and the Academy for Disciplined Forces through which the training given to members of the Force will now be accredited and recognised internationally.
The agreement maps out the educational progress within the Police Force from constable (MQF Level 4) to superintendent (MQF Level 7), as each rank will require a specialised level of education. The aim is to encourage more people to continue studying and rise through the ranks in the Police Force.
The educational framework was developed to encourage lifelong learning and will afford participants to plan their career paths and learn at their own pace. The students will also gain access to the University’s facilities, including library services, virtual learning environment and ICT labs.
The possibility of the development of additional training programmes is not excluded, as all the signatories of the MoU are aspiring to strengthen their existing cooperation.
University of Malta Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella called this a momentous agreement that will not only benefit the trainees but also the entire society that these members will serve and protect with dedication, and promised the Ministry and the Police Force full support in any future projects.
Minister for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement Byron Camilleri explained that this will lay the groundwork for the changes that are to be implemented over the next few years, as stipulated in the Force’s transformation strategy. It is therefore another step which seeks to build on the reforms that have already been implemented to modernise the Police Force. “Our goal is to make policing a career that one aspires to. Therefore, this agreement is part of our vision to make the Police Force an exciting career choice”, said the minister.
Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà said that the mission of the Police Force requires a professional and trusted corps, therefore through this agreement members of the Force will be trained more professionally. He said that this will lead to the Police Force being better equipped to face the challenges of the future.
Dean of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing, Prof. Andrew Azzopardi, who was also present, expressed thanks to everyone who made this agreement possible and reaffirmed that it is the University's duty to be participative in the society it operates in.