The National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) commemorated its 10th anniversary on the 27th of March 2010, at the Government Palace, in Díli.
In his speech, the National Police Commissioner, Mr. Longuinhos Monteiro, said the institution although a small one is rich in the experience to fulfill its obligations and face the several challenges that arise due to internal and external reasons, and which constitute obstacles to the development of this democratic state. Mr. Longuinhos Monteiro also said that this is the year of execution of the strategic plan on national reform in the area of security and defense, especially in the National Police. “This plan is outlined by the State, based on its own vision and strategic and operational objectives, in order to serve our mission better, the Commissioner said.
Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, as the Minister of Defense and Security, reinforced the sense of responsibility of the National Police Officers who have been promoted, in regards to their subordinates’ orientation.
The Organic Law also says that the PNTL, in their strategic policing, is the community police, this means that the police must integrate into the local community proceeding with their policing and approach, having direct and permanent contact with the population since it is responsible for their safety. The patrol should be conducted not only by cars but also on foot in order to have direct contact with the local community so that they can identify the problems that affect the community.
The advantages of this approach to the community has the objective of knowing the conflicts that may condition their security and anticipate the correct measures in order to guarantee that the people live a calm and peaceful life.
Those present at the ceremony were the President of the Republic, Dr. José Ramos Horta, the President of the National Parliament, Mr. Fernando Lasama de Araújo, the Prime-Minister and Minister for Defense and Security, Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Parliament Members, Members of Government, the Special Representative for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mrs. Ameerah Haq, the former President of the National Parliament, Mr. Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo”, the former Prime-Minister, Mr. Mari Bin Amudin Alkatiri, the General-Major, Mr. Taur Matan Ruak, the Brigadier – General of the Indonesian Police, Mr. Sabarudin Nugroho and his party, the Diplomatic Corps and the representatives of Civil Society.
Mr. Longuinhos enhanced the fact that commemorating this year’s PNTL anniversary was different because this event included the promotion of the PNTL officers, based on the Decree-Law No. 16/2009, of the 18th of March on “the Promotion Regime of the National Police of Timor-Leste”, and based on article 36, chapter V of this Decree-Law, that refers the transitional regime, the secretariat of the commission has made possible this promotion process which consists of three phases:
1) Written test
2) Psycho-technical Interview
3) Interview
Based on these criteria, on their show of capacity, new ranks are attributed to the selected members.
Besides the promotion to the PNTL members, driving licenses were also distributed to the community members, including the President of National Parliament, Mr. Fernando Lasama de Araújo.
Mr. Pedro Belo, promoted to Inspector, referred that this promotion is taken with great responsibility, attributed to him in order to better serve the people.
Mr. Carlos Almeida Jerónimo highlighted the fact that, when the rank is higher, the responsibility will be also increased. In her statement, Mrs. Helena das Dores says she feels a grand responsibility to take on the post of Assistant Chief-Inspector and says she is proud of living in an independent country, conquered by the national fighters.
The important thing is that all members of the Police feel that they must work together with the PNTL Commissioner -General in order to consolidate the institution’s objectives.