Counternarcotics and Law Enforcement Country Program: Timor-Leste

Key U.S. Program Goals:

The objective of the INL program in Timor-Leste is to assist the Government of Timor-Leste to develop capacity within its criminal justice sector institutions, including, among others, the Office of the Prosecutor General and the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL).

Program Components/Accomplishments:

• Law Enforcement: In a joint project with Australia, INL is working with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to provide computer-based training (CBT) programs through the PNTL academy. These interactive training modules focus on basic skills and knowledge on issues such as drug trafficking, terrorism, cross border organized crime, money laundering and trafficking in persons. The program has successfully developed and installed a CBT center at the PNTL academy that can accommodate additional computer-based training.
  
  
• Justice Sector: INL funds a Department of Justice, Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT) Resident Legal Advisor (RLA) who resides at the U.S. Embassy in Dili. The RLA works with the Prosecutor General’s Office and other Government of Timor-Leste actors to improve coordination between police and prosecutors to develop cases that are based on evidence and are likely to lead to convictions. The justice sector program also includes efforts to reform the statutory code on evidence and witness protection.

Funding FY 2005-2009:

• FY 2005 - $0
• FY 2006 - $1,485,000 (INCLE)
• FY 2007 - $0
• FY 2008 - $22,100 (INCLE)
• FY 2009 - $20,000 (INCLE)

INCLE: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement Funds