On-duty cops should be in proper uniform

Acting City Police director Melvin Gayotin said he will order policemen not to wear tee-shirts, sandos, shorts and slippers while on duty, starting tomorrow, or lose the monthly allowance given them by the city government.

This order was agreed among station commanders and unit chiefs, in last Friday's meeting, that policemen of the miscellaneous teams should carry a decent and professional appearance to gain respect from the public, Gayotin told The Freeman yesterday.

"Dili nako gusto mag-shorts or mag-slippers ang miscellaneous team while on duty except kon mag-operation or kinahanglan mag-disguise (I don't like the miscellaneous team members wearing shorts or slippers while on duty, except during operations or when disguising is needed)," Gayotin said.

Gayotin said there have been lots of complaints against policemen being out of uniform or proper attire, making it hard to distinguish between a police officer and an arrested person.

Policemen should now wear collared shirts or polo, instead of T-shirts, and shoes instead of slippers, he said, adding that a violation might mean an administrative case or losing his or her P1,000 monthly allowance.

Gayotin said he would also require every incoming duty officer to log in the blotter to monitor easily his or her entry time, or if there are absences. He also noted that some desk officers do not even know the contents in the blotter, but have been quick to profess their alibis. - Ryan P. Borinaga