This file photo shows members of the Philippine National Police. Photo from PNP
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said it would reassess the training and selection process for police investigators, highlighting the need for them to have a solid knowledge of criminal law.
The joint press conference of the DILG and the Department of Justice (DOJ) provided an insight into the competence issues plaguing the organization, with Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos noting that only 123 of the 22,774 police investigators in the country are law graduates.
In response to the problem, Abalos said the DILG would coordinate closely with the Department of Justice, Philippine National Police, and other relevant agencies to provide mentorship and training to police investigators and conduct a reevaluation of the qualifications needed for police investigators.
“We will have to review kung papaano ba kinukuha ang mga imbestigador sa kapulisyahan (We will have to review how police investigators in the country are being selected),” he said.
Abalos then noted, “For me, this is very, very important because this single important data or act done by an investigator would determine, again I emphasize, the result not only in the DOJ but likewise whether or not the case would be for conviction or acquittal in courts.”
‘Humane environment’ in jail facilities
Abalos also raised the idea of installing more surveillance cameras in jail facilities to ensure a more “humane environment” for both police officers and prisoners.
He noted that this is listed among his priorities while at the helm of the DILG. He said he will also raise before the Supreme Court the issue concerning the delayed release of persons deprived of liberty.
“This is for both the police and the protection of prisoners,” Abalos said. “Isa pa na ipu-push ko, kung kaya rin lang ng pera, will be CCTVs inside. Doon man lang sa alleyway ng jail, iyong labasan para makita. Sabi ko nga, it must be a humane environment. Dapat walang nilalabas sa kulungan o kung anong ginagawang mga abuse.”
(One of the things I’m pushing for, if there’s enough budget, is to install more CCTVs along the alleyways and exit points of jail facilities. As I said, it must be a humane environment. No prisoner should be allowed to leave. We should also monitor the abuses from inside the cells.)
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