10,000 new cops to be recruited in 2010, says Verzosa

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa disclosed recently that at least 10,000 new policemen will be recruited in 2010.

At the sidelines of the Cabinet meeting here last Tuesday, Verzosa said that the PNP’s continuing capability enhancement program includes the issuance of vital equipment and firearms to the country’s policemen to enable them to be more efficient and respond better to emergencies.

He said that 10,000 more policemen would be recruited to meet the ideal requirements.

Verzosa said there are currently 130,000 policemen nationwide, with policeman to citizen population ratio at 1:700 or 1 policeman for every 700 citizens, way below the ideal ratio of 1:500.

He said that the police force should be 180,000 strong to have better efficiency, even as the police organization aims to further professionalize the service. 

“This year, all police stations have at least one police car or one patrol boat for coastal stations,” Verzosa said. 

He said the police enhancement capability program would move forward for the next five years with P2 billion earmarked for the PNP development plan.