Legal framework applicable to the Scientific Criminal Investigation Police.
PCIC is governed by the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, by its Organic Law, and by the applicable criminal procedural legislation. The body of legislation framing its activity comprises the following instruments:
The institution was created and is regulated by Decree-Law No. 15/2014 of 14 May - PCIC Organic Law (LOPCIC) - which defines its mission, internal structure, criminal-investigation competences, personnel regime, and operation.
This was subsequently amended by Decree-Law No. 21/2014 of 6 August, which introduced adjustments to the transitional regime of competences between PCIC and the National Police of Timor-Leste.
Law No. 9/2022 of 13 July - Law on the Organisation of Criminal Investigation (LOIC) consolidated the framework of competences of the criminal-police bodies in Timor-Leste, defining the rules for the division and coordination of investigations between PCIC, PNTL, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Migration Service.
PCIC\'s conduct in criminal proceedings is governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure, approved in 2005, which sets the terms under which criminal-police bodies act under the direction of the Public Prosecution Service and the trial judge.
The Criminal Code, approved by Decree-Law in 2009, defines the categories of offences whose investigation falls within PCIC\'s exclusive competence.
Ministerial Diploma No. 42/2016 of 27 July approves the PCIC Code of Ethics, Conduct, and Disciplinary Regime, setting the ethical and conduct standards binding on all its personnel.
Law No. 4/2010 of 21 April - Internal Security Law provides the framework for the security forces and services of Timor-Leste, defining the inter-institutional cooperation principles into which PCIC is integrated.
Decree-Law No. 15/2014 of 14 May - Jornal da República
Regulates the functioning of the PCIC duty and prevention service.
Ministerial Diploma No. 42/2016 of 27 July.
