Deputy Director of Mahein Foundation (FM), Joao Almeida said he is disappointed with the service provided bySukus (hamlet) Police Officers (OPS), saying they often respond to incidents too late.
He said the situation could potentially lead to further lawlessness in communities.
“The late service and sometimes no service at all is why some communities use their power to against one another,” said Almeida in Dili.
He said the placement system of the OPS was disorganized as they live and work in different locations.
He urged the commander of OPS to strengthen its role and create better conditions in order to improve their work at a grassroots level.
In response, the General Commander of National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), Commissioner Julio Hornai, acknowledged that while some delays occur, communities should understand that the OPS was handling multiple cases per day.
“They should handle [cases] one by one, that’s the situations that they face,” Hornai said.
To support their work, PNTL has purchased more than 200 motorbikes, as well as new radio communication units.
“We also provide them food and hope that they can work more adequately,” he said.
