Liaison Officers

The Republic of Portugal relies on the presence of Liaison Officers and Immigration Liaison Officers, whose importance is considered instrumental in increasing the cooperation ties between Portugal and the States with which special cooperation relations are maintained. These Liaison Officers have different functions, depending on whether they are of a cross-cutting nature or have specific competencies in immigration matters. In both cases, they perform functions that contribute to public security and tranquility. Their existence is foreseen either in bilateral or multilateral agreements, or in conventions or treaties that are binding on the Portuguese State.

Under Decree-Law 139/94, of May 23, Liaison Officers have powers in the area of police cooperation, namely in the execution of technical-police cooperation projects, as a liaison between Portuguese security forces and services and their counterparts, and in coordinating all police cooperation activities.

For its part, article 47 of the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement (CISA) provides that member states "may conclude bilateral agreements providing for the secondment, for a fixed or indefinite period, of liaison officers from one member state to the police authorities of another member state.

The task of the liaison officers will be to advise and assist. Article 47 of the CAAS specifies that such secondments "are intended to promote and expedite cooperation, in particular by providing assistance

(a) in the form of exchange of information for the purpose of fighting crime, both through prevention and law enforcement

(b) in executing requests for police and judicial assistance in criminal matters

(c) with the tasks performed and by the authorities responsible for external border surveillance".

According to Article 47, liaison officers shall not be empowered to carry out autonomously any police measures. They shall provide information and perform their duties on the basis of the instructions given to them by the Member State from which they come and by the Member State to which they are posted.

For the purpose of exchanging operational information, the Liaison Officers shall report to the PUC-CPI.

For further information see:
https://www.sg.mai.gov.pt/RelacoesInternacionais/OficiaisLigacao/Paginas/default.aspx