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Thursday, July 27, 2006
Interior chief wants community-based police project expanded
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno has directed the PNP to expand the scope of its "Quick Win" projects, which are designed not only to physically refurbish police stations but to re-train PNP men and women into becoming effective, service-oriented and reliable "agents of public safety."
Puno urged PNP Chief Oscar Calderon to spread out the projects in the communities as he lauded the PNP for undertaking the initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to restore public trust and confidence in the national police organization.
Initiated by former PNP chief Arturo Lomibao and by Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr., the "Quick Win" project covers an array of high-impact projects, the most visible of which is at the community level - the transformation of existing police detachments into "model police stations."
"I hope to see at least during my term as DILG chief, more decent and presentable police stations as well as respectable policemen so that the public would be more confident in bringing their concerns and requests to the PNP," Puno told police officials during a recent gathering at Camp Crame.
He added: "Let us establish an impression that when people see a policeman approaching, they must see an agent of public safety and not a potential extortionist or kidnapper."
More than improving the public image of the PNP, Puno said police officers should also be on hand to protect the "poor, disadvantaged and vulnerable" sectors of society.
Besides establishing model police stations, the "Quick Win" program also involves, among others, the review and strengthening of the police discipline and grievance system; developing police physio-psychometric testing tools; improving and integrating PNP operations manuals; developing a world-class crime laboratory; formulating the PNP career development system; setting up reform management offices; implementing a revenue, mobilization strategy; and reengineering of the PNP compensation and benefits system;
Among the "quick wins" scored so far by the PNP was the recent inauguration of the new Manaoag Police Station in Pangasinan, which is now fully air-conditioned and has corporate-style office spaces and decent detention areas.
The P5 million Manaoag Model Police Station, which was built with the assistance of House Speaker Jose de Venecia, also showcases a new one-stop service desk and a "tourist protection office."
Besides the physical renovation of the police station, the PNP also required the Manaoag police force to undergo additional training on community relations and English language proficiency.
PNP officials also recently led the groundbreaking of new police stations in the Pangasinan towns of Rosales, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Bani and San Jacinto.
Also being planned are model police stations in Quezon City, Antipolo in Rizal, Sorsogon, and Davao.
Eighty-five other model police stations across the country have been lined up for construction. (Press release)
(July 27, 2006 issue)
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