Pimentel proposes PNP detective school

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. called yesterday on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to set up a national detective school to teach a new breed of police detectives organized, systematic, and technology-based science of criminal investigation.

"You have backward facilities," he said, referring to the PNP. "Red tape between and among agencies. Investigators who merely go with their instinct, and worse, with their whim. There’s also credit grabbing and grandstanding among personalities involved. Where would all these lead to?"

Pimentel said the planned detective school would put "more meat" into the government’s campaign for more effective law enforcement because "barriers in the investigation process" could prevent the smooth flow of the wheels of justice.

"We need to invest in facilities and expertise," he said. "The government should source out funds if it’s really bent on nailing criminals."

Pimentel said the National Detective School should focus on the physical aspects of solving crimes as the country has "a lot of catching up to do" in forensic science.

"Knowledge in forensic science could help prevent the manipulation and corruption of the judicial system because in courts, physical evidence weighs a lot more than testimonies," he said.

Pimentel said if criminals know that the authorities have the best crime-fighting equipment, they would think twice before committing a crime. — Aurea Calica