Latest news and stories about police reform in Portugal for expats and residents.
Bruno Pereira argues that integrating civilian staff into the PSP could free up over 2,500 officers for operational roles and generate significant annual savings.
Luís Neves further stated that a reorganization plan for the Public Security Police (PSP) in the Lisbon metropolitan area is underway, with the goal of reassigning more officers to patrol and community policing duties on the streets.
The Government's choice of Carlos Cabreiro is a 'continuity solution' that is being received 'with calm' by PJ investigators. The new head of the judiciary police has spent a decade fighting cybercrime and one of his main missions will be to modernise the police force.
The Police Professionals' Trade Union Association (ASPP/PSP) demanded an urgent review of their professional status today, stating it must be “adjusted to the reality of modern security and the sacrifice required by the profession.”
The topic had already been raised by the communists in 2022 and 2025 and was met with disagreement from the PS and PSD. For the communists, the merger would allow for the elimination of overlaps.
It is incredible, and even nauseating, this lack of reformist momentum regarding the closure of police stations.
The PSP officers' union wants to decentralise the selection of new police officers. Luís Neves received two security forces.
The national director of the corporation denied that the changes in training are related to the cases of torture practiced by police officers from the Rato station in Lisbon.
Luís Carrilho was questioned about police training following the arrest of nine PSP officers on suspicion of torture and rape.
Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves held meetings with representatives from the Public Security Police (PSP) and the National Republican Guard (GNR) to discuss priority concerns. Key issues raised included recruitment challenges, the lack of professional appeal, an ageing workforce, and the need for structural reforms. While the SNOP union suggested regional recruitment, the APG/GNR association focused on remuneration statutes and pension systems. Neves, who has 16 meetings scheduled, aims to gather ground-level insights to improve working conditions and national security.
The CNDP also recommended conducting a data protection impact assessment regarding personal data.
“We hope that the new Minister of Internal Administration will have a fresh perspective on the functioning of the police and help combat the existing hate speech,” they state.
Officers with higher appraisals could receive up to 10 additional days of annual leave and pay bonuses.
