EPD adopts SJ’s text-a-cop program

Residents of eastern Metro Manila can now report crimes thru text messaging.

The success of the brainchild project of the San Juan police, "Pulis Mo I-Text Mo," prompted newly-promoted Chief Superintendent Simeon Dizon Jr., Eastern Police District (EPD) director, to adopt the system in other areas of his jurisdiction.

Dizon said the EPD has become a pilot testing area of the project.

If found successful, Metro Manila police chief Director Edgar Aglipay could adopt the concept in the four other police districts of the metropolis.

Dizon said the feedback from Superintendent Gilbert Cruz, San Juan police chief, "is very encouraging."

"Hopefully, before the end of February, all the ‘Pulis Mo, I-Text Mo’ projects would be operational in all the four stations (of EPD). Cellphones will be assigned to Tactical Operations Centers of each station," said Dizon.

San Juan, which introduced the project last Jan. 12, had Smart (0919-4636973) and Globe lines (0917-3600922).

Superintendent Jose Gentiles, Mandaluyong City police chief, launched recently the same project and procured cellular phone numbers 1917-6161153 and 1919-2197751.

The Pasig City and Marikina City police stations have yet to procure their own cellular phones, Dizon said.

Aside from the landlines in all police stations and sub-stations, the people could reach their police through these mobile phones, which are more accessible and convenient way of communication.

"Through these state-of-the-art modes of communication, more people can easily contact their policemen by text-ting them to report crimes," said Dizon.

According to Dizon, from simple things such as giving road directions to sending police mobile units to respond to a crime, there is a wide scope of assistance the police can provide the public through cellphones. – Non Alquitran