Napolcom OKs new headsets for police pilots

The National Police Commission (Napolcom), in a bid to enhance the operational communication capabilities of the Philippine National Police (PNP), approved the procurement of better headsets for police pilots.

The new pilot headsets will provide members of the PNP’s Special Action Force Group-Air Unit (SAFG-AU) better air-to-ground and ground-to-air communication.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes, chairman of Napolcom, said the standard specifications for a pilot headset is in accordance with the standard requirements prescribed in the Technical Standard Operations (TSO) adopted from the standard rules and regulations of the Federal Aviation Authority of the US. The headsets are designed to attain effective and clear two-way communication system for officers in flight operations.

"With the approval of the new pilot headset, the air unit will now have a better communication system to improve response time during police operations," he said.

Reyes said the PNP is also in need of additional vehicles to be utilized solely for administrative work.

At present, most police stations use whatever vehicle is available, including patrol cars used for regular police visibility, patrol activities and hot pursuit operations.

Reyes said mini-cabs can now be purchased after Napolcom gave its nod.

Napolcom vice chair and executive officer Imelda Roces said the approved standard specifications for pilot headsets and police mini-cabs will now serve as basis for PNP’s vehicle and communication procurement programs.

"After thorough review and evaluation of the proposed standard specifications for the multi-cabs, which have been renamed as police mini-cab, the Commission made some modifications on the technical specifications and classification so as not to unduly favor nor suit any particular supplier or manufacturer," Roces explained.