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