Utility platoon to reform rogue cops

Metro Manila police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco created yesterday a utility platoon to disipline rogue policemen.

For three months, the rouge cops from the five police districts in Metro Manila will be taught the Philippine National Police (PNP) Code of Ethics, investigation, human rights and crisis management and livelihood programs to make them better policemen. However, once the cops commit another infraction like being absent without leave (AWOL), extortion and other misconduct after graduation, they will immediately be dismissed from the service, Velasco warned.

"We wanted these rogue cops to reform. But if they continue choosing the wrong path then we have no other recourse but to dismiss them," said Velasco, noting that the continued presence of a few rogue cops in the police service is unfair to the big number of good policemen.

In the past, erring policemen were given an automatic 90-day preventive suspension after they committed any misconduct. After the prescribed period lapses, the PNP investigating body would determine whether they should be cleared or subject to summary dismissal proceedings.

Velasco ordered the creation of the utility platoon to give first offenders enough time to reform themselves. "We are giving these rogue cops enough time to convince us that they are not that bad after all," he said. – Non Alquitran