Communities in two East Timor districts are coming together to discuss the role of the security forces under the new constitution through the Security Sector Reform Program, run by the National Democratic Institute (NDI). The program's discussions help communities undertstand their rights in relation to the police, the border patrol unit, and the national defense force. Through the NDI program, citizens learn about the code of conduct for the police and the procedures available to people to channel complaints about rights violations against individuals in the security forces. Meetings take place once a month in villages in Bobonaro and Baucau districts.

As a result of the discussions, some of the community groups have taken the initiative to meet directly with local police officers to ask questions and discuss problems. At a recent meeting in Bobonaro District near the border with Indonesian West Timor, community members invited the local police officers to discuss their concerns about the border and security issues. The participants, 28 women and 5 men, all run their own small businesses near the border with Indonesia. Participants agreed that the security situation has improved since independence, but they also criticized policing in the area. "The police force is here to enforce the law so that we can live in peace and harmony," said Julieta Pereira, one of the participants. "But some members of the police do not act according to the law, so most community members don't like the presence of the police in the community." The group recommended that the police receive more training on how to deal with problems in the community, particularly searches and seizures, according to the law.

The members of the police listened to the community group's concerns and are taking the recommendations seriously. Police officials agreed with the need for more training for their forces and to increase emphasis on the code of conduct for police officers. Participants in the NDI program say they feel more secure because they now have a better understanding of the roles of the police and army and feel they can discuss any concerns directly with the police as needed.

USAID supports the Security Sector Reform Program through its partnership with NDI. In addition to organizing educational meetings for communities, the program provides information and capacity-building activities for the National Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and National Security in its scrutiny and oversight roles in the security sector.

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