The civilian police (UNCIVPOL) component of UNTAET is composed of professional members of police organizations who have volunteered from member countries of the United Nations. This International Police Service is unique in that, upon entering the mission, the police officers relinquish their executive powers and their normal chain of command and submit to the leadership and police practices of the United Nations. The common goal remains, above all, to work as one unified international police agency within the UN. Previous rank and status at home may shift from supervisor to subordinate and visa versa, depending on constantly changing circumstances and requirements. These changes frequently require patience, understanding, tolerance and courage to enable police officers from a great diversity of cultures and policing experience to work together as a productive and cohesive team in the pursuit of the UNTAET mission. I expect the police officers of UNTAET CIVPOL to do their utmost to develop good working relationships with all UN employees and the citizens of East Timor and to comply with the standards established to fulfill the UNTAET mandate. Above all, the men and women of UNTAET must strive to create a credible and legitimate entity that will be accepted as a viable, professional component of the United Nations peacekeeping function.