Napolcom pushes criminology reforms, stricter police screening

MANILA, Philippines — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) is pushing for reforms in criminology education and stricter screening of aspiring police officers amid concerns over the character of future law enforcers.

Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan made the call on Monday during a press briefing following an incident involving a criminology intern who was photographed riding a motorcycle without a helmet.

“Should we wait until an abusive person becomes a police officer before taking action?” he said.

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READ: Napolcom warns criminology interns about violating traffic rules

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Calinisan stressed that the incident was not just about a traffic violation but also about the character and values of an individual seeking to join the police service.

“Make them complete, not just in the mind, but also in soul,” he said, urging criminology schools to strengthen values formation and calling for closer examination of review centers.

Calinisan also stressed the need to identify warning signs among aspiring police officers through background investigations, citing the commission’s mandate under Article XVI, Section 6, to ensure that only qualified individuals enter the police service.

READ: Napolcom revises PNP exam questions to screen out diploma-mill graduates

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Meanwhile, the Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) pledged to improve its disciplinary policies and programs following the incident involving its criminology intern.

PCCR President Lei Bautista said the school has policies for addressing student violations, including the helmet requirement in its student handbook, and regularly monitors students through discipline officers.

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“If you want to enter law enforcement, you should start practicing obeying the law while still in school,” she said.

Bautista expressed PCCR’s support for Napolcom’s proposed reforms, saying the school was ready to work with the commission.

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Calinisan described the incident as a minor setback and reminded students to obey the law even before entering the police service. With a report from Bernadette Nicole Pineda /mcm