In-service training for members of the police force has been suspended by the Police Academy because it was not giving the desired results, Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia said in reply to a parliamentary question this evening.

He told shadow minister Jason Azzopardi said restructuring of the academy was under way and a director of studies would be appointed to formulate courses and curricula.

Dr Mallia invited Dr Azzopardi to tour the Police Academy with him, to view the progress being made in the hope that this would lead him to be more positive in the House. After that he looked forward to discussing any serious proposals that Dr Azzopardi might have.

Dr Azzopardi accepted the invitation, but continued to insist that members of the Police Corps were not even being given the training that they used to get. Dr Azzopardi said district police had been without in-house training for a year. Before the general election they used to receive eight hours of training per month. He specifically mentioned training in the handling of arms and taser guns.

Dr Mallia said taser guns were entrusted only to people who were adept at using them – and part of the training was for the person involved to be on the receiving end of a taser gun for the proper experience.

He asked if Dr Azzopardi wanted to volunteer for the experience.

The MP made no sign of acceptance.

The minister said that in-service training at the Police Academy had been suspended because it had been found to be “amateurish”. Several police officers undergoing the previous training had said it was a waste of time, preferring to be trained in problem-solving than being made to run hither and thither.

Even so, weapons training was indeed being given, as it was being given to the current 114 recruits including 34 women.