THE Cebu City Police Office director wants lawyers to accompany operatives during police operations.
Col. Gemma Vinluan told members of the media on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, that she would push for the “Adopt a Police Station” program where a designated lawyer would act as a 24/7 consultant.
“Actually, I paid a visit to Cebu City Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Macaundas Hadjirasul on Thursday. I just want to intensify the partnership of the police and the judiciary,” Vinluan said.
She said lawyers could help police personnel avoid “common mistakes” that would result in the failure to file an airtight case due to their limited legal knowledge and implement proper practices during arrests involving minors, among others.
“I have tried when I was still in Camp Crame. We were accompanied by lawyers from International Justice Mission. We were properly guided. Because sometimes, during unavoidable precarious instances, the police tend to forget this learning. We want to avoid that,” Vinluan said.
Vinluan plans to bring up the matter during the Cebu City Justice Zone Stakeholders’ Meeting on Friday, Aug 9. (WBS)