Ready to serve and protect

What say you on the issue below?

THE Police Volunteer Reserve (PVR) plays a vital role in lifting the burden of the police.

Penang acting police chief SAC Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar said the PVR, which was created in 1957, had played a key role in crime prevention.

Pledge of service: The oath-taking ceremony marking the completion of the basic training course for PVR constables at the Batu Uban marine police base.

It is in line with the Government’s desire to reduce crime under the National Key Result Areas.

“They are deployed in every district and their task includes handling public enquiries, beat patrol, maintaining public order, assisting in arrests and manning general duties such as helping out during elections.

“The men in blue are often scrutinised by the society,” he said.

“Hence, there’s a need for the PVR personnel, who are technically considered to be part of the police force.

“It is not easy to train ordinary civilians to perform policing duties; it takes time,” said SAC Abdul Rahim, who went through nine months of training himself.

Proud moment: SAC Abdul Rahim pinning a badge on a volunteer.

He said this after attending a ceremony to mark the completion of a basic training course for PVR constables at the Batu Uban marine police base on Wednesday.

A total of 39 volunteers, including three women, completed their training, which started in October last year.

The 13-month training not only focused on drills and discipline but also on knowledge of the law.

“This is necessary as the society are becoming more astute with the law,” said SAC Abdul Rahim.

Training sessions were held weekly on Saturday, Sunday and Monday after office hours with each session averaging between four and five hours.

The state PVR contingent currently consists of 140 personnel with 102 slots available for future intake.

Anyone interested to join the state PVR contingent can obtain the entry form from the Public Affairs Department at the state police headquarters on Penang Road.

Application is open to all Malaysians who are in good physical shape and aged between 18 and 45. They must hold a minimum qualification of PMR/SRP and possess a permanent job. Its members are not paid any salary except for hourly-based allowances.