PNP needs
10,000 cops yearly till 2017
THE Philippine National Police said it
needs at least 10,000 new police recruits annually to meet the
ideal police-population ratio of 1:500 by 2017.
PNP Director Jesus Verzosa said the new
police recruits will beef up the 125,000-strong police force.
"We need to recruit at least 10,000 policemen every year until
2017 to meet the ideal police-population ration of 1:500,"
Verzosa said, adding that the present police-population ratio is
1:700.
To complement the recruitment, Verzosa said
the PNP will also enhance its logistical capability by buying
firearms, communication and mobility equipment using its
P2-billion Capability Enhancement Fund.
The PNP said it bought 5,000 9mm pistols, 342
shotguns, 500 M-16 rifles in 2008 and refurbished and
distributed these to the Special Action Force, the police
commando unit.
Twelve V-150 armored personnel carrier were
also upgraded and distributed to the SAF to increase its
firepower.
Verzosa said the PNP will equip every town with a patrol car
and police stations in coastal areas with a pumpboat or
motorboat. He said only 30 towns have no police cars yet. The
271 patrol jeeps, 150 motorcycles and 215 utility vehicles
acquired last year had already been distributed to Police
Regional Offices nationwide. – Ashzel Hachero
