'Most cops tagged in abuses are new'

MANILA, Philippines – Most of the policemen involved in abuses, irregularities and crimes are rookies, usually with the rank of Police Officer 1 or 2, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said Friday.

Bartolome said the PNP is now evaluating the training modules for police applicants to determine and address the problem on crime involvement of police officers, who just entered the police service.

“We are studying the factors why our new policemen got involved in abuses. We have already strengthened the procedure in the neuro–psychiatric evaluation to ensure only the mentally fit are accepted in the force,” Bartolome said. 

He said he has instructed unit commanders to conduct a periodic dialogue with their members to guide them in their daily activities, particularly in dealing with the public.

The PNP chief added that they are evaluating the background of every rookie police officer who committed abuses.

He also noted that the immediate superiors of policemen involved in crimes will also be evaluated on why he or she failed to guide their personnel.

Bartolome said they are investigating policemen who allegedly robbed a family in Manila last month. The victims later identified the policemen when they went to the police station to report the crime.

“What I can promise is that we won’t allow erring cops to stay in the police service,” he said.