Timor-Leste: Community and police solve problems together

Comoro community and police work together to solve problems

2 August 2011, Dili - PNTL and UNPOL, together with community leaders, began a new initiative yesterday to address rock-throwing by youth in Comoro, a Dili sub-district.

Town chiefs, village chiefs, and the sub-district administrator accepted an invitation from PNTL and UNPOL community police to gather at the Comoro Police Station to talk about their common concern for youth violence and to determine joint actions they might take.

Police and community leaders recognized that a new approach is necessary because dispersing and arresting youth has not stopped the problem.

PNTL General Commander Longuinhos Monteiro said initiatives need to come from the community. He welcomed the involvement of secondary school directors and teachers.

“The best way to deal with this problem is for everyone to take responsibility,” said General Commander Monteiro. “PNTL is ready to do its part.”

UNPOL Police Commissioner Luis Carrilho said policing efforts can only be effective with the cooperation of the community. He emphasized the importance of the community and police working together.

“Police and citizens should work together as partners to make the community safer,” said Commissioner Carrilho. “This was recognised by Timor-Leste’s Government when it passed the Organic Law of the PNTL.”

Comoro is a populous sub-district of Dili, the capital city of Timor-Leste. Fights between martial arts groups have caused insecurity within the community.

ENDS

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