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Law enforcement inPortugal originated with local communities, under the authority of feudal lords and courts.^[1]

In modern times, it is the responsibility of three bodies:

• Guarda Nacional Republicana: National Republican Guard. The Portuguese nationalgendarmerie force that mainly work out of major cities but in 98% of the Portuguese territory and provides a nationalhighway patrol, afiscal guard and a national environment protection police.
• Polícia de Segurança Pública: Public Security Police. The Portuguese national civilian police force that works in larger urban areas, as well as at border checks.
• Polícia Judiciária: Judicial Police. Overseen by thePublic Ministry, they investigate criminal cases.

• Maritime Authority System

Islands:

• Law enforcement in Madeira
• Law enforcement in the Azores

Crime:

• Crime in Portugal
• Police brutality in Portugal
• Police corruption in Portugal

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