PNP to buy P18M worth of digital cameras for crime scene probers

The Philippine National Police will buy P18 million worth of compact digital cameras to aid its investigators gathering evidence at a crime scene and building up a case against criminals.

The PNP has allotted P18,492,000 for the purchase of 1,541 digital cameras, to be used by crime scene technicians and investigators on the field.

In announcing the procurement, Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, the PNP spokesperson, stressed the importance of photographs in building a case and securing a conviction of criminals.

“The policemen on the field are the first responders, so they take photos of the crime scene as much as possible. Policemen must know how to investigate and process the crime scene,” said Mayor.

The PNP published a bid invitation of the P18 million contract last week to entice prospective bidders.

Photographs or videos of the crime scene are part of the evidence submitted to the courts and they help the investigator understand the crime scene better, according to Mayor.

He pointed out that photographs “preserve” the physical features of the crime scene, aiding the police investigator in visualizing the crime.

“We want our investigators equipped with these cameras so they can visualize the crime scene better and build the case against criminals. This is important to them,” the PNP spokesperson added.