Leadership principle number 6: “Know your people and look out for their welfare.”
As young officers, we must fill these leadership roles in which our team or subordinates look upon us for guidance and direction. It is a role that stresses the importance of understanding and caring for the people around you, whether they are members of your team or members of the community. This phrase advocates leaders to be aware of the needs and concerns of the people they work with and take steps to ensure that their welfare is protected and promoted. This includes but is not limited to, providing the necessary training and resources, fostering a positive work environment, and advocating for their well-being both inside and outside of the workplace.
After going through the day with PCPT NIKKON D MAGALUED, Chief Patrol Operations Section, accompanying him as he conducts his duties and responsibilities, I have attained a level of respect and appreciation for the PNP officers on the field. Policies and theories on paper are much more different from the actual practice on the ground. An example is the inadequate number of personnel. Solano Nueva Vizcaya is a Class B municipality with a total population of 65,287[1] distributed to 22 different barangays. With an average of 1,389 civilians for every 1 uniformed police personnel, far from the proposed police-to-population ratio of one 1 policeman for every five hundred. (500) inhabitants (1:500).[2] Officers on the ground are hereby obliged to be innovative with how they manage their team to be able to still serve the community at a satisfactory level. And one such innovative measure that the Solano Police Station has employed is a healthy relationship with other law enforcement agencies including the local government unit and the communities themselves. These partnerships were evident in the conducted checkpoint operation by the Solano Police Station together with personnel from the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 2 and members of the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Local Government Unit of Solano.
Improving law enforcement services to the public can involve a wide range of strategies and actions. The key area that we can focus on to improve our services is building positive relationships with the community which is essential for effective law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP) should work to engage with the community through events, community policing programs, and other outreach efforts. This can help build trust and cooperation between the police and the public, leading to better outcomes for everyone.
Law enforcement officers should also continue to receive ongoing training and education to improve their skills and knowledge. This can include training in de-escalation techniques, cultural sensitivity, and communication skills. Ongoing training can help officers stay up to date on best practices and new developments in law enforcement.
Advancements in technology should also be taken into consideration to improve law enforcement services. For example, body-worn cameras and CCTV cameras can provide accountability and transparency in police interactions with the public. Other technologies, such as data analytics and predictive policing, can help police departments more effectively allocate resources and prevent crime.
Different law enforcement agencies should work together with other organizations, such as social service providers, mental health professionals, and schools, to address issues in the community. Collaboration can help identify underlying issues that contribute to crime and work to prevent them.
As Law enforcement officers, we believe that effective policing requires trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the public. We recognize that building and maintaining this trust is an ongoing process that requires continuous efforts to engage with the community, listen to concerns, and work collaboratively to address issues. We strongly believe that by working together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more just society for all.
[1] Solano, Nueva Vizcaya Profile – PhilAtlas. (n.d.). Retrieved January 18, 2023, from https://www.philatlas.com/luzon/r02/nueva-vizcaya/solano.html [2] Republic of the Philippines – NAPOLCOM. (n.d.). Retrieved January 18, 2023, from https://napolcom.gov.ph/pdf/mc%2098-001.pdf
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