City police undergo refresher course

CEBU, Philippines - A 30-day Criminal Investigation Course for policemen assigned with the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) included a lecture on improving their relationship with media.

Broadcaster and columnist Leo Lastimosa, in a speech before Cebu City’s policemen at their headquarters yesterday, asked the police to be more accessible to media.

“Policemen should have a personal connection with reporters. Inamigo lang ba,” he said, adding that policemen should also know where to draw the line between work and this personal connection.

But in the same seminar, some policemen also complained against the actuation of some members of the media, especially radio commentators who harass the officers.

On this, Lastimosa told the police that affected officers can file their complaints before the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

He said the KBP can impose sanctions on erring members if they are found guilty of violating the KBP Code which provides for ethical standards among broadcast practitioners.

Complaints against non-KPB members can be raised before the Cebu City Press Council, Lastimosa told the police.

Close to 50 police personnel attended yesterday’s discussions. The activity is part of the Philippine National Police’s program to enhance their men’s competency in investigation.

The participants came from the 11 stations in Cebu City as well as from special units of the CCPO. – (FREEMAN)