Venidora Oliveira – The Deputy Director of Mahein Foundation (FM), a local NGO that monitors the security and defence sector in Timor-Leste, Joao Almeida Fernandes urges the Community Police (POLKOM) Unit of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) to establish a legal framework that will serve as a guide for the Community Police Council (CPC) for operations only in the rural communities.
"They need a guideline so they know what they can do and what they should not do," said DD FM Fernandes in Dili.
DD Fernances said the CPC is charged with providing solutions for disputes taking place in the sukus, but their role needs to be defined adequate so they are aware of the types of cases they are authorised to deal with. "For example, cases of domestic violence cannot be solved by the CPC because it is a public crime and as such has to go to the courts."
Meanwhile Member of Commission B (security, defence and foreign affairs) MP Duarte Nunes said he agreed with FM's assessment and recommendation. "They need to know clearly what their duties are and have to base their activities based on the guide," added MP Nunes.
In response to the issue, the II Commander of POLKOM, Head Inspector Helena das Dores said currently the command of PNTL is in the process of establishing the guidelines for CPC. "But we intend to create the guidelines," said Commander Das Dores.