Thank you and good morning everyone. I am pleased to be here to help kickoff this important training on criminal investigative techniques. This is the latest example of ongoing support from the American people to help strengthen capacity in Timor-Leste’s justice sector.
The U.S. Embassy’s Resident Legal Advisor program has collaborated with Timor-Leste’s justice and law enforcement sectors since 2009, with the shared goal of making the rule of law a reality for all Timorese citizens. It is particularly gratifying that the U.S. Mission in Timor-Leste is working with our law enforcement partners from the Federal Legal Training Center (FLETC) in the United States, who have recently established an attaché in Singapore. We thank them for their support in this effort. Among the greatest threats to the rule of law is corruption, which tends to occur when officials place their personal interests above the public interest. As investigators, you are often the first line of defense against corruption.To succeed in your mission, you need to utilize all the tools available to you to gather the necessary evidence that will support the appropriate charges and obtain a conviction in the courts.
Over the next few days, you will be interacting with veteran investigative agents from the United States who will share their experience in gathering criminal intelligence and conducting investigations with the goal of helping you achieve success in your important work. There is always more to learn and I applaud your efforts to seek further professional development. I look forward to hearing about how this experience will benefit your organizations and the people of Timor-Leste.
Thank you
