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THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday
directed all police investigators in Metro Manila to undergo
refresher training on the basics of crime-scene investigation and
the proper handling of evidence.
The PNP chief, Director General
Oscar Calderon, issued the retraining order after police lapses were
observed in the handling of vital evidence in the killing of a
Japanese tourist in Manila over the weekend.
“Every police officer is
expected to know the basics of crime-scene procedures and to
preserve vital evidence that will determine the outcome of cases
under investigation,” Calderon said in a statement.
He emphasized that all police
personnel are involved in every investigation should observe all
guidelines in all aspects of crime-scene investigation and
procedures.
Calderon directed Metro Manila
police chief, Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla, to give
training to his men on the basics of crime-scene processing
procedures.
The PNP Crime Laboratory Service,
Public Safety College and the National Capital Regional Police
Office will jointly conduct the refresher course for police
investigators.
The retraining for Metro Manila
policemen, to start immediately, would also include the
administrative procedures on the chain of custody of evidence in
criminal cases.
Calderon was apparently irked
about how members of the Manila Police District (MPD) badly handled
a vital piece of evidence in the killing of Kazuyuki Harashina in
Manila last Saturday.
At least eight MPD policemen had
held the killer’s weapon, a handgun that was recovered from the
crime scene, without using gloves before it was brought to the MPD
Homicide Division.
“These procedural lapses are
inexcusable and should serve as a reminder to other PNP personnel on
the proper procedure in the handling of evidence in criminal
investigations,” Calderon said.
He said this incident reflects
the need for policemen to be trained properly in handling and
processing of evidence that found in crime scenes and in being
conscious and precise in their implementation.
“The PNP has its own system of
accountability wherein those who fail to adhere to police
operational procedures are held accountable and face strict
sanctions,” Calderon said.
--Anthony Vargas
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