Dili, March 26, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) will celebrate their 25th anniversary, so the NGO HABADA presents their observations on the progress, challenges and future perspectives of the institution that guarantees and is responsible for public security and upholds State Rights.
According to the Executive Director of the HABADA Association, Abel Amaral, around four centuries ago, PNTL had undergone a significant transformation, evolves from National Police which had just built the main pillars of the state security framework.
“In 2000, the PNTL continued to develop its institutional capacity, PNTL adopted the philosophy and strategy of community policing and has deployed its specialist units such as the Special Police Unit (UEP), Border Patrol Unit (UPF), Marine Police Unit (UPM), Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) and Municipal Commands including the Village Official Police to strengthen their capacity to respond to the various security challenges in the community.” said HABADA Association Executive Director, Abel Amaral
He continued, the Training and Professionalization Program continues to be carried out to increase capacity at home and abroad, has increased PNTL officials, increased operational efficacy and accession to international police standards.
“The Community Policing Initiative through partners, civil society organizations and international agencies, PNTL is making progress in community policing, spreading trust and collaboration between law enforcement and local communities.” He said.
He added that international cooperation involvement with ASEAN and bilateral partners has strengthened PNTL’s capacity in various areas such as border security, anti-narcotics, and prevention of human trafficking.
“The use of integrated technology in digital police tools, such as surveillance systems and centralization of criminal data, has increased efficiency in crime prevention and investigation,” he said.
He emphasized that challenges and areas that need to be improved despite real progress, various challenges remain in the development of PNTL.
“Limited human resources, inadequate human resources and limited needs have an impact on operational effectiveness, especially in rural and border areas. Logistical and infrastructure gaps, lack of adequate modern facilities, vehicles and equipment make it difficult to respond and achieve police service goals,” he said.
He also said that accountability and reporting of physicalization of bad behavior and the use of maximum violence need to be strengthened by internal and external physicalization mechanisms in order to increase public trust.
“Gender representation has progressed, but increasing the participation of women in PNTL leadership remains an area for improvement. Cybersecurity and emergency threats, PNTL must adapt to new security threats, including cybercrime and transnational organized crime that require specialist capabilities and international collaboration,” he stressed.
He added that the PNTL’s 25-year journey reflects both important realizations and challenges. Timor-Leste continues to strengthen its national security institutions, investing in the capacity, accountability and modernization of the PNTL continues to be crucial to the country’s long-term stability and development.
Further explained that the compromise of the HABADA NGO was to support PNTL initiatives that increase effectiveness, transparency and a people-oriented approach and a safe and more protected Timor-Leste.
Reported by : Nelfiano
Picture by : Nelfiano