The foundation stone of the new Police Academy at Ta' Kandja, was laid this afternoon by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs.

Dr Gonzi said the ceremony today reflected the government's commitment to give the police the tools to fight crime, as well as further improving laws to deter crime.

No better investment could be made than investment in training, which was based on the academy.

Dr Gonzi underlined the important role of the academy, which was set up in 1988 and which has so far trained 31 groups of recruits.

Courses have been improved over the years and the current group of 100 is following a one year course including law and police skills, he observed.

The new building will include a multifunctional auditorium, a two storey block for dormitories, an administration block for offices, classrooms and a library, an access road and 32 car parking spaces.

Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici said the building of new quarters would be complemented by further development of courses to ensure that the police, through the academy, always remained a step ahead of criminals.

Police Commissioner John Rizzo said the new academy would enable the police to be of better service to the people.