Monday, November 06, 2006 Cops to work on holidays
FAMILIES with members who are in the police service may not get to spend time with them during the yuletide season.
This is because the Philippine National Police (PNP) is discouraging unit commanders from approving leave applications from Dec. 15 to Jan. 10 next year.
The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) already sent a memorandum to all police chiefs, officers-in-charge and the group director of the Provincial Mobile Group regarding a directive coming from the national headquarters.
Service
“Inasmuch as the organization normally extends such grants in order for all of us to spend the season with our families and loved ones, this headquarters is constrained to issue this directive so that the delivery of police service is not affected/hampered,” the memorandum read.
Statistics
Police have noted that the trend in crime statistics is that crime volume, especially theft and robbery incidents, rise during the start of the yuletide season.
Station and unit chiefs have been directed to avoid allowing personnel to take a leave of absence during this time.
“Please be reminded that the Christmas and New Year’s break extended to PNP personnel during the yuletide season is only a privilege. Hence, it is not imperative to assert one’s right for his enjoyment,” the memorandum stated.
Exigency
As for those whose leave applications for the duration have already been approved, they are to be reminded that those on break can be recalled “anytime if the exigency of the service so demands.”
Camp Crame is hoping the directive is strictly enforced and warned that chiefs of offices and units that do not adhere to the memorandum will be held accountable under the doctrine of command responsibility. (MEA)
