Polícia Judiciária

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Polícia Judiciária (PJ) is the main police branch of criminal investigation in Portugal, directed to fight criminality, organized crime, terrorism, drugs, corruption and financial crimes. It is integrated in the Ministério da Justiça, under supervision of Ministério Público.

[edit] Organization

The PJ is directed by the National director and has several other structures. Local branches exist.

[edit] History

In the origin of the present Polícia Judiciária is the Secção de Polícia Judiciária from the old Polícia Cívica. This police was funded in 2 of July 1867, during the kingdom of Luís I de Portugal, by the name of Polícia Civil. Their official had as responsabilities crime detection and evidence collection.

In 20 October 1945, the Polícia de Investigação Criminal changed it's name to Polícia Judiciária.