Timor-Leste Police Development Program

Tetra Tech International Development is supporting the Australian Federal Police, Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste and civil society representatives and other stakeholders to provide advisory services through its extensive specialist skills in security and justice.

Timor-Leste is emerging from a history of civil unrest and instability and while it has seen significant progress and development since independence, the ability to maintain law and order remains a challenge to the National Police Force, the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL), established in 2002.

The Timor-Leste Police Development Program (TLPDP) was developed by the Australian Federal Police, in partnership with the PNTL, who saw a need to work with the local police improve the rule of law and justice within the region, with the aim of strengthening the capacity of the police service in Timor-Leste to maintain law and order effectively and professionally with full respect for human rights.

Given the turbulent environment within Timor-Leste, stakeholder engagement was considered one of the key factors for success by the TLPDP, with widespread consultation and engagement across multiple ministries, non-government organisations and diverse community groups.

Tetra Tech was engaged to support the Australian Federal Police, Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, civil society representatives and other stakeholders to provide advisory services through its extensive specialist skills and support not readily available within the Australian Federal Police.

Now in its third phase, the program’s objective is to strengthen the capacity of the police service in Timor-Leste – to maintain law and order effectively and professionally while maintaining full respect for human rights.

The primary responsibility of Tetra Tech IDEV’s TLPDP Advisory Team is to support the AFP in collaboration with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Secretary of State for Security, the Timor-Leste Police Service: Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL), civil society representatives and other stakeholders to implement the program objectives.

The TLPDP has adopted a capacity building approach which focuses on training, advice and mentoring, and supporting infrastructure needs and tools to assist Timor-Leste’s National Police become an effective and professional enforcement agency.

The program has made a significant contribution to the development of policing capacity through the provision of direct advice to the National Police, the Secretary of State and Security and the Office of the Prosecutor General.