New Zealand Police contingent starts work in Timor-Leste

11:20am 18 July 2006

New Zealand Police officer Sergeant Gary Gardner (left) and Australian Federal Police officer Alan Huggins patrol the streets of Becora.
Copyright NZ Police 2006

New Zealand Police officer Sergeant Sarah Thorn of Timaru talks with children in the Becora area of Dili on the first day of joint policing operations with Australian Federal Police.
Copyright NZ Police 2006

The 25-member contingent of New Zealand Police deployed to Timor-Leste last week has begun work in the Becora district of Dili.

They are working alongside New Zealand Defence Force and Australian Federal Police already working in the area, supported by the Portuguese GNR. The New Zealand and Australian police staff at Becora will be joined shortly by staff from the Royal Malaysian Police.

The contingent is operating out of the Becora Police Station east of central Dili and will be engaged primarily in community policing work to help restore community confidence.

New Zealand Police Senior National Officer Assistant Commissioner Grant O'Fee says the team is looking forward to working with the New Zealand Defence Force and the international police contingent.

"There has been an encouraging response from the public. In the coming weeks we will build on the excellent relationships already established.

"It is already apparent the Kiwi policing approach works well here and is appreciated."

ENDS

Photos available on www.police.govt.nz

For more information contact NZ Police Media

New Zealand

Jane Archibald Ph 04 474 9442

or 027 568 0267

Timor-Leste

Judith Hamblyn ph + 670 7323548