Law enforcement in Portugal

Law enforcement in Portugal originated with local communities, under the authority of feudal lords and courts.

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

• Guarda Nacional Republicana: National Republican Guard. The Portuguese national gendarmerie force that mainly work out of major cities but in 98% of the Portuguese territory and provides a national highway patrol, a fiscal 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 the Public Ministry, they investigate criminal cases.