News: Timor-Leste police qualify as peacekeepers

Release Date: Friday, June 25 2010, 03:56 PM

The AFP has provided training to 24 members of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) during a program designed to broaden their policing experience and qualify officers for United Nations peace keeping missions.

Through its contributions to the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste and the provision of training through the Timor-Leste Police Development Program, the AFP is at the forefront of international police developments in the country.

National Manager International Deployment Group (IDG) Frank Predergast said the five week course at the Majura training centre is designed to help the PNTL develop into a more effective and accountable police service.

“This course will enhance the individual careers of these PNTL officers, but the biggest benefit will be when they return home and are able to pass on their experiences and enhanced skills to their peers,” he said.

“One of the significant projects the Police Development Program is undertaking is a major refurbishment of the Timor-Leste Police Training Centre. Some of these PNTL officers will return home to become leaders within that facility.”

The graduating course is the largest contingent of PNTL officers to have visited Australia for specialised training.

After the graduation ceremony, the officers attended a luncheon at Parliament House with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta and the official opening of the Timor-Leste Embassy in Deakin.