40 police officers given the opportunity to serve as reserved constables part-time

“Once a police officer, always a police officer”. This was the general feeling uttered amongst the 40 police officers who were yesterday appointed as part-time police officers, better known as reserved police constables, during a ceremony held at the Police General Headquarters.

The Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela together with Commissioner of Police Lawrence Cutajar presided at the swearing in of these police officers, 36 men and 4 women, who from now onwards will be serving as a means of support in various police sectors as required.

In his speech, Minister Abela explained how police officers who end their 25 years of service are entitled to a police pension together with the right to do another job. He mentioned how the ministry recognised that a number of police officers who are in this situation still have the will and the necessary skills to continue serving in police work.

Thus, this potential was valued and in recent weeks the Force initiated a recruitment process where those who terminated 25 years of service and were still prepared to serve, were given this opportunity. This chance was also extended to those who in the past had served in the force on a full-time basis, but due to personal circumstances had left.

“We recognise that the love for the uniform and the service are a vocation that is not easy to put aside. Use this opportunity to pass on the passion for police work to younger colleagues”, said Minister Abela. He appealed to them to share the knowledge and experience that they gathered over the years with their colleagues and be for them a shoulder and good guidance.

The 40 police reserved constables will be working from 23 hours a week to a maximum of 35 hours a week. They come from different police sectors, both districts and specialised forces. They will be serving as support to keep on strengthening the human resources of police stations.

During the recruitment process, eligible candidates were interviewed by a selection board. They were assessed on issues related to their career in the force such as motivation, personality, police knowledge and a medical examination by the doctor of the Force.

The 40 police reserved constables will be working from 23 hours a week to a maximum of 35 hours a week.