PNTL, UNPOL and UNDP Joint Statement on Timorese Police

12 October 2011, Dili – 160 national police officers from Timor-Leste’s justice section are learning how to work on internal disciplinary and misconduct issues within the national police force. When they complete the courses they will serve as discipline leaders.

“The officers in PNTL’s justice section welcome this training and the opportunity it provides to increase the responsiveness of Timor-Leste’s police force to these important issues,” said Carlos Almeida Sousa Jeronimo, PNTL Commander and head of the Police Academy.

The training was launched on 4 October and will run until 31 December 2011. It is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Police (UNPOL) and the Government of Norway. It is designed to increase awareness of Timor-Leste’s Discipline Decree Law that governs police conduct and discipline and to teach officers how to strengthen human rights principles.

The training is part of a US$ 600 thousand program planned and organized by the PNTL, the UNPOL and UNDP which aims to increase the capacity of the national police force to deliver services of high quality to the people of Timor-Leste. The program supports the five priority areas identified in the PNTL/UNPOL Joint Development Plan: legislation, training, administration, discipline and operations.

“Discipline is a key pillar of police credibility,” said the UNPOL Commissioner Luis Carrilho. “That’s why both the PNTL and UNPOL consider this training as a high priority.”

According to Alissar Chaker, UNDP Assistant Country Director and Head of Crisis Prevention and Recovery Unit, ’A police force that takes proper action to address disciplinary breaches will gain trust and credibility in the community.”

PNTL General Commander, Longuinhos Monteiro, underlined the institution’s commitment to strengthening discipline within the force. “The PNTL has a strong disciplinary mechanism in place. Trainings such as these are essential to increase awareness among all officers of their responsibilities and accountability.

Carlos Almeida Sousa Jeronimo, PNTL Commander, Luis Miguel Carrilho, UNPOL Commissioner, and Alissar Chaker, UNDP Assistant Country Director and Head of Crisis Prevention and Recovery Unit presided over the opening ceremony on 4 October.

ENDS

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