Internal Administration Minister Luís Neves stated he is calm and eager for the audit of his leadership at the Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) to be completed and made public. The audit was requested by Minister of Justice Rita Júdice, and Neves emphasized that all investigations into the institution are welcome.
Internal Administration Minister welcomes audit of Judiciary Police
Monday, 10 August 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
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.
The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.
6 sources
- "I would not let the credibility and trust that the Portuguese have in the PJ be tarnished": Minister of Justice explains audit of Luís Neves' leadershipcnnportugal.iol.pt ·
- “Greatly honoured” to be a minister, Luís Neves says he is “eager to know the results of the audit” into the PJeco.sapo.pt ·
- Luís Neves "eager for the audit to be carried out and made public"observador.pt ·
- Luís Neves says he is “calm and eager” for the audit of the PJ to be carried out and made publicdn.pt ·
- Minister Luís Neves says he wants the audit of the PJ to be carried out and made publiccmjornal.pt ·
- Luís Neves: "All investigations are welcome"rtp.pt ·
