Imagine having to police a war-torn nation with no laws, limited or damaged infrastructure and a deeply traumatised community. That’s what Australian police were faced with in late 1999 when they deployed to East Timor as part of a massive United Nations peacekeeping operation. 

Michael Ward was one of hundreds of police who volunteered to help the people of East Timor after they had voted for independence from Indonesia, and after the new nation was almost destroyed by pro-Indonesian militias.

In this fascinating episode, Mike talks about training and preparing to deploy, the extremely tough living conditions for peacekeepers and the challenging duties he undertook. He also gives an insight to the at times absurd bureaucracy that can exist in major peacekeeping operations.

The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of Australian police peacekeeping operations with the United Nations. The APJ has published several articles and podcasts about different aspects of police peacekeeping. They can be read or listened to at www.apjl.com.au.

The book ‘In the Service of Peace: Australian police involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations 1964 – 2024’ can be purchased either through AFP Legacy at https://policelegacyafp.org.au/shop/ or at the Australian War Memorial Bookshop at https://shop.awm.gov.au.

If you have a suggestion about the topics for future episode of Policing Australia, let us know at apj@apjl.com.au.

Host: Jason Byrnes APM
Guest: Michael Ward