NCJ Number
74229
Journal
Criminal Justice Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (Second Quarter 1980) Pages: 40-50
Date Published
1980
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Improvements in the Philippine city of Bacolod's Police Department and the department's Social Defense Program are described.
Abstract
In 1964 the city's police chief initiated the improvements which aimed at professionalizing the police administration. Weekly officer conferences and inspections were scheduled, and an intensive training program was established. A new recruitment and selection program used neuropsychological and agility tests, background investigations, and interviews to enlist young officers with at least 2 years of college and to lower the police-population ratio to 1:750. Civilian personnel replaces policemen in custodial functions, protectory duties, radio operations, and clerical work. Other innovations included specialized units for effective crime control, a modern records system; a crime laboratory; a criminal modus operandi file, two-way radios for prowl cars, a police bulletin and leaflets for educating the public and warning them against criminals, and junior police units for high school and college students. Affluent members of the community participated in the special traffic unit and in a radio assist group, and they provided their own equipment and uniforms. Modern jail management aimed more at rehabilitation than at punishment. Furthermore, a police advisory council consisting of volunteers from various disciplines advised the chief on youth matters. The council helped establish the Bacolod Social Defense Program which included crime prevention programs, youth welfare, and community programs. The prevention program used volunteer behavioral and social scientists to train those who have contact with youth in child welfare and guidance. In addition, the program provided parents with advice on improving family relationships, administered career guidance programs, assisted the juvenile court, and helped organize youth athletic leagues. A youth welfare program assisted the city's welfare institutions, and a community organization program attempted to involve the whole community in various projects promoting character formation and civic consciousness in youth. Finally, a new social defense complex which will house the district police headquarters, the police station, a rehabilitation and correctional center, a research training institute, and other criminal justice organizations is under construction. Footnotes and photographs are included.