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Chega Criticizes Critical Training Shortfalls in PSP Officer Education

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
December 28, 2025
3 min read

Chega party has raised concerns about significant shortcomings in the training of PSP officers, pointing out the lack of physical facilities forcing cadets to train remotely.

The Chega party has publicly criticized the national leadership of the Public Security Police (PSP) for allegedly compromising the training quality of future police officers. According to Francisco Gomes, a representative from Chega, the cadets at the Instituto Superior de Ciências Policiais e Segurança Interna (ISCPSI) in Lisbon are compelled to undergo remote training due to inadequate physical infrastructure.

This issue affects around 60 cadets, spanning from their second to fourth years, who have been taking classes from their homes since the academic year began. Gomes described this situation as 'unacceptable' for an institution tasked with preparing the country's law enforcement officers.

The lack of proper facilities, which has led to this remote training setup, is seen as a significant drawback in the cadets' hands-on learning experience. The Chega party's statement comes at a time of heightened political activity, with upcoming presidential elections in 2026 adding to the national discourse.

Impact on Madeira

While the training issues are centered in Lisbon, the implications are nationwide, affecting regions like Madeira, which rely on well-trained officers to ensure safety and security, vital for both residents and the island's thriving tourism industry.

Tourists and locals alike depend on the efficacy and preparedness of the PSP, making this training issue a matter of public concern. The ability of the police force to respond effectively to incidents is critical, particularly in tourist-heavy areas such as Madeira.

The situation highlights the broader challenges faced by Portugal's public security institutions and raises questions about resource allocation and infrastructure investment, crucial for maintaining public safety standards across the country.

"This remote training is inadmissible for an institution responsible for forming our police officers," stated Francisco Gomes, emphasizing the need for adequate training conditions.

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