Polícia Judiciária
The Polícia Judiciária (PJ) is the main police branch of criminal investigation in Portugal, dedicated to fighting criminality, organized crime, terrorism, drugs, corruption and financial crimes. It is integrated into the Ministério da Justiça, under the supervision of the Ministério Público.
History
The present Polícia Judiciária originates from the Secção de Polícia Judiciária from the old Polícia Cívica. The force was founded on 2 July 1867, during the kingdom of Luís I of Portugal, under the name Polícia Civil, and is officially responsible for crime and evidence collection.
On 20 October 1945, the Polícia de Investigação Criminal changed its name to Polícia Judiciária.
Organization
The PJ is directed by the Director Nacional and has several other structures. There are local branches. It is a highly specialised and technically autonomous force, at both technical and scientific levels.