Police corps reinforces its backbone

Fifty police constables were yesterday promoted to sergeant during a brief ceremony held at the police headquarters in Floriana.

The sergeant complement now stands at about 350.

Police Commissioner John Rizzo said this was an important event since sergeants were considered the "backbone" of the force. "You will be the first to deal with difficult circumstances that crop up, as you have been trained to do. The responsibilities you will shoulder now will be different from those you have shouldered so far," he said, adding that every higher rank brought with it additional duties.

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said the rank of sergeant was all about "good leadership".

He said discipline coupled with a sense of camaraderie made the police force a unique organisation that, according to polls, was still high in the public's regard.

Dr Borg described the event as a "joyful occasion". He said the police faced unprecedented challenges, such as international crime brought about by the technological breakthrough of recent years, and other new phenomena such as an increase in illegal immigration.

"The police have to undergo continuous training and should have access to technology," Dr Borg said.

He said being a policeman was not a job like any other. "The job entails dedication and sacrifice," Dr Borg said, encouraging the newly promoted sergeants to use their position with a sense of duty and justice.