Q. What is UNPol?
UNPol is an acronym for United Nations Police, a component of the UN Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste. UNPol has three main responsibilities:
1. Restoring and maintaining public security including through support to PNTL
2. Training and institutional strengthening of the PNTL and Ministry of Interior
3. Assisting in the planning and preparing of security for the 2007 elections
Q. How will UNPol help reintegrate PNTL?
UNPol is working with the Timorese authorities to restructure and rebuild the PNTL. In the meantime, a preliminary PNTL screening process has been started. This screening aims to ensure the integrity of PNTL officers, who will be working alongside UNPol.
To date about 900 out of 1250 Dili-based PNTL have completed the registration phase of screening and are enrolled in an intensive one-week refresher course preceded by thorough integrity checks, to allow co-location with UNPol for mentorship purposes.
Q. Will PNTL officers carry weapons?
No
Q. Will UNPol officers carry weapons?
Yes. Use of weapons is governed by international laws relating to the use of proportionate force and rules of engagement.
Q. Can citizens make complaints against a PNTL officer?
Yes. Complaints may be submitted at any time to UNPol, the Office of the Provedor of Human Rights and Justice, national human rights NGOs, or the UNMIT Human Rights Unit. PNTL officers have the right to defend themselves according to due process.
Q. Will UNPol assist with the resettlement of IDPs?
Yes. UNPol will assist with the resettlement of IDPs through community-policing. This includes establishing multiple police posts in problematic areas throughout Dili to ensure public safety and to maintain law enforcement.
Q. Will UNPol play a role in the 2007 elections?
Yes. Security surrounding the elections is an UNPol priority. This is one of the reasons why PNTL officers are being trained - the aim being that the PNTL should be actively engaged in providing security with UNPol before, during and after the elections. UNPol will work on legislation related to PNTL, polling station security, ballot box security, transportation of ballot security and maintaining law and order so that elections can be carried out in a safe, fair and transparent manner.
Q. Will UNPol officers be located in the districts?
Yes. There will be a Formed Police Unit (FPU) in Baucau and one in Maliana in addition to the FPU in Dili. Additionally, UNPol will work with PNTL in all districts and sub-districts throughout Timor-Leste.
Q. How many UNPol officers will be deployed in Timor-Leste?
At full strength UNMIT's mandate calls for up to 1,608 UNPol officers to assist in maintaining law and order and public security throughout Timor-Leste.
Q. Is there an emergency number that I can call to report incidents?
At present, residents may call UNPol Joint Operations Centre at 723-0365. The emergency number 112 will be re-activated soon.
For additional information, please contact:
Adrian Edwards, Acting Chief, Public Information Office, UNMIT; +670 723 0453 or Donna Cusumano, Spokesperson at +670 723 0749