"PJ inaugurates new research facilities in the Algarve"
Cracking Down on Crimes: The Swanky New Hub for Faro's Judicial Police
In an interview, Rita Alarcão Judice, a government official, shed light on the necessity of the Judicial Police (PJ) having a strong presence in certain regions, emphasizing the importance of adequate resources for effective criminal investigations.
The recent upgrade of PJ facilities in Faro came with a hefty price tag of 5.7 million euros, with 2.2 million euros sourced from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). This revamp replaces the antiquated premises situated in Faro's historical center, which, according to Alarcão Judice, were no longer up to par, particularly in terms of location, accessibility, size, and modern functionalities.
The decision to renovate an existing building was the wisest choice, as it significantly reduced costs compared to constructing a new edifice from scratch. This transformation brought about numerous improvements, such as the resurfacing of the roof, the installation of solar panels, LED lighting, and expansions to accommodate weapons, forensic equipment, and storage for seized goods.
The renovated building also boasts specific spaces for the comfort and safety of citizens, including interview rooms for victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence, as well as quarters for child victims of abuse or neglect. Alarcão Judice further commended the collaborative process between the Municipality of Faro, the University of the Algarve, and the Ministry of Justice, which culminated in a property exchange and lease agreement established by law via a government decree in 2021.
The minister also acknowledged the initiation of this process under the Socialist government, particularly under the tenure of former Minister of Justice, Francisca Van Dunem. The National Director of the Judicial Police, Luís Neves, also expressed his satisfaction with the new building, emphasizing its significance in elevating the prestige of the security force.
The PJ has been a staple in Faro since 1976, and the current workforce comprises over 160 employees, including 125 inspectors.
As for the former Higher School of Health where the new facilities are housed, the details regarding the cost of renovation have not been disclosed. However, it appears the project involved refurbishing the existing infrastructure instead of building a new one from the ground up.
This upgrade is expected to bolster the operational capability of the Judicial Police in the region, offering modernized and specialized areas for criminal investigations. The enhancement in law enforcement infrastructure in Faro is a notable development amidst broader improvements in criminal justice and enforcement in the Algarve region.
[Source: Ministry of Justice, Government Official Interviews, Luís Neves, Rita Alarcão Judice]
Additional Info: The delay in the extradition of Fábio Loureiro was due to a discrepancy in the legal systems of the countries involved. [Gazeta de Notícias, Judiciary Politics Blog]
- The renovated Judicial Police (PJ) building in Faro, financed partly by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), includes specific spaces designed for comfort and safety, such as interview rooms for victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence.
- The new PJ facilities in Faro, where over 160 employees, including 125 inspectors, are based, boast numerous improvements, including the installation of solar panels, LED lighting, and expansions for weapons, forensic equipment, and storage for seized goods.
- The Minister of Justice, in an interview, explained that the collaborative effort between the Municipality of Faro, the University of the Algarve, and her own ministry resulted in a property exchange and lease agreement for the new PJ building, established by law via a government decree in 2021.
- The upgrade of the PJ facilities in Faro is expected to contribute to the modernization and specialization of criminal investigations within the industry, ultimately enhancing the operational capability of the force in the region, as emphasized by the National Director of the Judicial Police, Luís Neves.
