Law enforcement will be getting closer to the community, with Community Police and Civil Protection officers having a better understanding of the needs of people with dementia, the Government said.

Two agreements have been signed between Active Ageing and Community Care, the Community Police and the Department of Civil Protection, with the aim of making the latter two entities better informed about the challenges of people who have the condition of dementia.

Through Active Ageing and Community Care, training will be given to the members of the Civil Protection and also to the Community Police.

The training will mean that members of both entities will be in a better position to recognise signs of dementia in other people, and the way to communicate with these people during the service of their duties.

Present for the signing of the agreements were Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri and Minister for Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela.

Minister Byron Camilleri explained how in their work in the heart of the community, both the Police, as well as Civil Protection officers, meet different people, and with various conditions, which at times can happen in what may be a difficult situation, and that is why specialised training is of great importance.

Minister for Active Ageing, Jo Etienne Abela, explained how through these agreements another part of the National strategy will be drawn up for dementia.

He said that “people with dementia have difficulties with memory and communication, and therefore need those who give them help to know their limitations and adapt to their needs.”

For this purpose the Dementia Care Directorate will be holding a number of information sessions for the Community Police and Civil Protection, so that they are more aware of the condition and can give the best possible service to individuals with dementia, the Minister said.

The agreements were signed by Renzo Degabriele for Active Ageing and Community Care, the Acting Deputy Police Commissioner, Kenneth Haber and the Director General of the Department of Civil Protection, Peter Paul Coleiro.

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