Cape Verde Reappoints Police Chief for High-Tech Overhaul
PRAIA, Cape Verde — National Police (PN) Director Jorge Andrade has been reappointed to lead Cape Verde’s law enforcement, ushering in a sweeping modernization phase aimed at transforming the force into a high-tech, community-focused institution.
A Vision for 21st-Century Policing
During a swearing-in ceremony in the capital city of Praia on Monday, Andrade outlined a strategic shift for the PN. He emphasized that the force must move beyond traditional methods to embrace a more integrated approach to safety.
“Community intervention, zero tolerance for criminal activity, prevention, and swift response are our essential principles,” Andrade stated. He highlighted that modernizing the force will require a heavy investment in new technologies, the professional development of officers, and the continuous upgrading of operational equipment.
Andrade also called for a broader societal effort to combat crime, arguing that the police cannot work in a vacuum. “The prevention of violence and crime cannot be solely a police function,” he said, advocating for cross-cutting policies that involve diverse sectors, local institutions, and the communities themselves.
Focus on Personnel and Internal Reform
Recognizing that a modernized force depends on its people, Andrade pledged to prioritize career advancement and staff appreciation. While acknowledging officer concerns regarding the Career, Functions, and Remuneration Plan (PCFR), he assured the force that discussions on pay and benefits would take place at the “appropriate and opportune moment.”
The director also pushed for a culture of accountability. He argued that the PN must lead its own “critical self-assessment,” remaining open to structural changes and adopting modern legal and procedural frameworks to meet evolving security challenges.
Government Pledges “Smarter” Security
The Minister of Internal Administration, Carlos Sena, echoed this vision, announcing a government-wide shift toward “smarter, more preventive, and evidence-based” policing. A centerpiece of this initiative will be the creation of an Internal Security Academy, which will provide specialized and continuous training for officers at all levels.
Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho, also in attendance, challenged the force to adopt a “new mental framework.” He urged leadership to break away from stagnant traditions: “We cannot continue doing things as they have always been done just because they have always been done that way. There is no development without critique.”
New Leadership Appointments
The ceremony also formalized the appointments of the senior leadership team tasked with executing these reforms:
- Roberto Carlos Centeio Lima: Reappointed as Deputy National Director for Security Operations and Public Order.
- Bremen Celestino Cardoso: Deputy National Director for Planning, Budget, Management, and Training.
- Alvarino Ribeiro: Deputy National Director for Airport Security, Border Control, and Information Systems.
- Orlando Évora: Head of Special Operations and Maritime and Fiscal Security.
These appointments signal a comprehensive effort by the Cape Verdean government to bolster maritime security and border control while strengthening internal urban safety through data-driven strategies.
Image: Pexels – Mauro Rivera
