Police chief: PNP now 'more proactive'

AMID the increased crime rate in the metro and after the dismissal of several erring cops, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicanor Bartolome said the institution has now become "more proactive" in its law enforcement service.

In his performance progress report presented at the 2012 Public Governance Forum this week, Bartolome said the PNP's mindset has been transformed from the traditional reactive practice to a "more proactive and strategic process."

Bartolome attributed this "transformation" to the transparency and accountability mechanisms undertaken by the PNP.

He also cited the PNP's efforts in enhancing the skills of its personnel and the emerging best practices in the organization’s administrative and operational aspects.

Early this month, Bartolome urged Metro Manila police chief Leonardo Espina to "hit hard" on criminal elements for a better police service to the public.

The PNP chief ordered to mobilize the entire 17,000-strong police force under Espina to cover "every square inch" of Metro Manila.

On the other hand, Espina called for a "proactive" police force through intensified police visibility in the field and the deployment of police patrollers in the barangays for round-the-clock and immediate service.

Espina added that law enforcers should be in the streets for 24 hours instead of being "reactive" inside their offices waiting for complaints and reports.

Lately, the PNP faced several controversies that tainted its image. The organization’s law enforcement practice was previously criticized after crime incidence in Metro Manila increased in the first six months of the year.

From January to June, authorities recorded 29,231 crimes in Metro Manila, a 57-percent increase from the 18,671 recorded incidents in the same period in 2011.

The PNP was also assailed in the past weeks after several policemen were dismissed from service due to accusations of extortion including a senior officer who tried to extract money from Espina's son.

The police organization also gained criticisms recently due to an alleged overprice firearms deal. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)