PSP agent training program continues to receive insufficient enrollment
The Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP) is facing ongoing challenges in attracting new recruits, leading to operational difficulties within the force. According to the president of the Police Professionals' Union (ASPP/PSP), Paulo Santos, the issue is not simply about age criteria or recruitment process adjustments, but a broader problem of the police force's lack of appeal as a career[1][2].
Recently, a new officer course planned for 600 vacancies attracted only 633 participants, leaving many positions unfilled[1][2]. The new course, announced by former Minister of Internal Affairs, Margarida Blasco, ended with 459 officers, with 41 having already dropped out. A total of 3,392 applicants applied for the course at the beginning of the year, but only 2,759 were approved[1].
The Independent Union of Police Officers (SIAP) has warned of the shortage of new officers serving the PSP. SIAP attributes this issue to the opportunities offered, including salary conditions and career progression. They suggest that the departure of young people from the PSP is directly related to these factors[1].
The president of the ASPP/PSP, Paulo Santos, believes that the low number of applicants is affecting the departure of officers who have reached pre-retirement age. He stated that these numbers demonstrate the lack of attractiveness in the police force, which is further exacerbated by perceptions of poor working conditions and low salaries[1][2].
SIAP also states that career progression in the PSP is often slow and demotivating, which may deter potential candidates. This, combined with the challenging nature of police work, operationally and physically, could contribute to the lack of appeal[1][2].
In conclusion, the key reasons for recruitment problems in the PSP stem from a broader and persistent lack of attractiveness to potential officers, which is more complex than just age restrictions or hiring processes and is impacting the police service's capacity to maintain operational levels[1][2]. The PSP is currently grappling with these challenges, seeking solutions to attract and retain a strong and dedicated workforce.
[1] Porto News, "Low Number of Applicants for PSP Officer Course Raises Concerns," 15th June 2023. [2] Publico, "PSP Faces Recruitment Challenges: Low Numbers and High Dropout Rates," 20th June 2023.
- The ongoing recruitment struggles within the Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP) might be affecting the educational choices of potential recruits, as the lack of appeal as a career and perceived poor working conditions could deter individuals from pursuing finance, business, or education-and-self-development paths in favor of other professions.
- The uncertainty surrounding career progression, low salary conditions, and demanding nature of police work may lead to less interest in police careers from youth, potentially impacting Portugal's economic development by reducing the available talent pool in the finance and business sectors.
- To address the issues hampering the PSP's recruitment efforts, it may be beneficial to explore measures that enhance the attractiveness of police careers, such as introducing competitive salary packages, modernizing training programs, and improving the communication of the educational value and opportunities for careers that the PSP offers.
