Conference on integrating rights-based policing principles in police operations
PNP senior officials hold a conference to discuss how rights-based policing principles are best integrated in on-going police operations

“If the police adhere to the rule of law, they demonstrate their respect for human rights.”- Police Chief Superintendent Erickson Velasquez

HSF

Organized by the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office, with the support of the Hanns-Seidel-Foundation (HSF), the activity sought to address the emerging leadership of the PNP, who will be among those to take over the administration of the PNP in the future.

Core participants consisted of 8 Chief Superintendents and 13 Senior Superintendents representing each of the 17 regional commands of the Philippine National Police (PNP).  Key officials of the PNP operations, police-community relations, human resources and doctrine development directorates also attended.  Over time, it is expected that these participants shall have oversight in police operations at the regional, provincial, and city/municipal levels. 

“If the police adhere to the rule of law, they demonstrate their respect for human rights,” said Police Chief Superintendent Erickson Velasquez of the Directorate for Police Community Relations and this set the tone of the conference.  Velasquez gave an extensive presentation and led the discussions on having a “Community and Service-Oriented Policing” which emphasizes complementary linkages with local government officials, the community, and the general public as well as ensuring accountability of police officials at the local levels. “Senior police officials should audit the performance of their provincial, city, and municipal police,” he added.

Conference participants

HSF

There were substantial discussions on how the police should be knowledgeable of modern information technologies and trends in information management.  Not only are these important in crime prevention, but also enhancing the police force’ ability to communicate and inform the public.  The conference invited a media relations expert to provide advice on how the police should respond to questions raised by print, broadcast, and e-media.

The PNP’s present programs and policing practices were also discussed with the intention of ensuring that actions are always in accordance with established police procedures.

The goal of the conference was to increase the awareness of rights-based policing principles in police operations, which should lead to a strengthened rights-based and community-oriented police on the long term.