The police force should stand as a shield for human rights in this country, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday at the passing-out parade for 85 police cadets who yesterday officially joined the force.

“Today, more than ever before, we need a modern police corps, one built on the principles of integrity, accountability and transparency. The force should be the shield of human rights in our country,” he said.

Any person living or staying in the country, especially those who were vulnerable or part of a minority, should be safe in the knowledge that their fundamental human rights were being protected and respected, he said.

Addressing the new graduates, the Prime Minister said the state expected them to measure everyone by the same yardstick, without preference or special treatment. “You have the duty to enforce the law without fear. Only then will you earn the respect of the people.”

He told them that their power to arrest people should never be abused under any circumstance; it should be used with the greatest caution and responsibility. “You should shoulder the weight of your position 24 hours a day and not just while wearing your uniforms,” Dr Gonzi said.

He said citizens looked to the men and women who made up the force for peace of mind and security. “Therefore, to serve as a member of the Corp is a privilege, one which brings with it great responsibility,” he said. Dr Gonzi thanked the staff of the Police Academy for the training they gave and for the continuous support given to all the members of the force, even long after they had graduated.