Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has promised to quickly appoint a new national director for the Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ). The position was left vacant when the former director, Luís Neves, was named Minister of Internal Administration (Ministro da Administração Interna). Residents should note that the Prime Minister assured that the police force is currently operating with “total regularity” during the transition.
Montenegro commits to quick appointment of new PJ director
Friday, 20 March 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal’s national criminal investigation force that handles serious crimes such as homicide, organised crime, corruption and major fraud. It conducts criminal inquiries alongside prosecutors, so if you are involved in or affected by a serious criminal case in Portugal the PJ leads investigative work and consular assistance may be helpful.
Luís Neves will take office on Monday as Minister of Internal Administration. He graduated in law and has worked at the Judicial Police since 1995, where he served as coordinator of a national unit and developed a long career in criminal investigation.
