A total of 175 police officers were injured on duty between 2012 and 2014 – 56, 78 and 41 in the three years, respectively.

Answering a PQ by Ċensu Galea (PN), Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said the injuries had been varied in nature, including involvement in traffic accidents, being attacked by suspects, falling off horses, slipping and injuries sustained during physical training.

To another question by Mr Galea, the minister said the Police Corps was still 79 heads short of its full complement.

The shortfall would be made up through new recruitment and internal promotions.

Mr Abela pointed out that the corps had been short of its full complement for years. The government had started out with the recruitment of 113 police constables and partly bridged the gap through the police constabulary and reinstatements of experienced police officers.

The engagement of police officers on its own could never achieve the desired results unless new recruits were given advanced and relative training.

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