The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) said in 2014 it will boost its operational system to reduce crime rates in the country.
PNTL’s Commander of the National Operations Command, Superintendent Chief Armando Monteiro, said the institution has trialed many other operations systems but in 2014 it will make some improvements to boost the system.
Commandant Monteiro said currently 442 villages already have a Police Official presence and through their role, relations between the local authorities and communities have improved.
“We work together with local authorities, youth groups, government organizations, religious groups and with the veterans to find solutions for problems faced by the community,” said Commander Monteiro.
He added PNTL also will create a District Directorate Commission for Community Police at the district level.
“We will do this first in Liquisa District. Its job is to provide logistical and financial support. They will seek funds and give these to the Community Police so it can hold activities in the community,” he said.
He believes these types of initiatives will reduce crime in the community.
Meanwhile Member of Commission B (for Security, Defense and Foreign Affairs) Member of Parliament MP Maria Lurdes Bessa is supportive of the initiative and the program.
MP Bessa highlighted the cases where members of the police are involved in certain criminal activity.
“We need to screen out those [police officers] involved in crime and organized crime, and if there is enough proof we need to do something about it so that we set a good example or else the community will just follow suit,” said MP Bessa.
