Aspiring police officers who disregard traffic laws and other basic regulations could face hurdles in joining the Philippine National Police (PNP), as authorities push for stricter recruitment screening to keep unfit applicants out of the service.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Monday the organization would strengthen efforts to identify applicants with questionable backgrounds and character before they enter the police force.
“As a law enforcement agency, the Philippine National Police will protect itself from applicants with highly questionable background and character. There is no room for future policemen who cannot even observe and respect the simplest rules and regulations,” Nartatez said in a statement.
His remarks followed a warning from National Police Commission (Napolcom) Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan that criminology interns caught violating traffic rules would not have their police applications processed or be allowed to take entrance examinations.
The warning came amid reports of criminology interns riding motorcycles without helmets and using unauthorized license plates.
“We will not process their application as policemen or entertain them in the Napolcom Exams. Sweeping reforms needed here,” Calinisan said in a social media post.
Nartatez said the PNP already has mechanisms to select qualified recruits but stressed that information from the public and other sources could help verify applicants’ backgrounds.
“Discipline and respect for the law must begin even before an aspiring police officer enters the service. We cannot allow those who disregard the law to wear the uniform and enforce it against others,” he said.
He also urged colleges and universities offering criminology programs to ensure their students are physically and mentally prepared, as well as morally fit, for police service.
Calinisan likewise called on educational institutions to take greater responsibility for instilling discipline among criminology students and improving their academic programs.
“Salain ang dapat salain. Ayusin ang curriculum. Wag diploma mill. Nation building is everyone’s responsibility. (Filter out what needs to be filtered out. Fix the curriculum. Stop being a diploma mill),” he said.
The officials said stricter screening and stronger discipline in criminology programs were necessary to ensure that future police officers respect the laws they would be tasked to enforce.
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