PNP PD Blanco aims for higher conviction rate
THE improvement of the efficiency and competency of the police personnel of the Provincial Police Office (PPO) has become a top priority for the newly designated provincial director of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office.
The task has become imperative after P/Sr. Supt. Sterling Raymund Blanco, PPO officer-in-charge director, received his first marching orders from Gov. Amado T. Espino Jr., particularly to intensify a campaign against illegal drug trading and to put more criminals behind bars.
Blanco said the need to focus on strengthening the competence of officers in following procedures for the filing of cases has also become imperative after National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) determined that only 30% of the 300 examinees from the province passed the aptitude test it conducted.
Blanco said his command is presently “resolving the gray areas” in standard procedures that often affect the outcome of court decisions.
The PPO, with the NAPOLCOM, conducted last January 23 its first Prosecution, Law Enforcement, and Community Coordinating Service (PROLECS) conference-dialogue to re-educate police officers on legal matters related to their tasks.
Lawyer Monday Samson, Napolcom provincial director, earlier said this means that while policemen in the province are qualified for their jobs, they “need to update themselves or to be reoriented through continuing education.
Samson noted during the PROLECS seminar that the conviction rate of the Pangasinan police stood only at 5-10% average per year while the arrest rate was 70%.
He cited the handling of evidence, including the procedures after arrest and inventory of evidences, as the main factor why the conviction rate is low.
Samson added that based on their annual inspection and monitoring, most cases move slowly due to these technicalities.
Last year, Samson said about 10-12 warnings were issued to police personnel in the province for dismissals of cases in court.
Speakers from Department of Justice and Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency lectured on Rules on Evidence and Criminal Procedure and on Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act to the investigators, police chiefs, and representatives from national operational support units as Crime Laboratory.–Johanne R. Macob
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
