SPD to lecture students on crime prevention

In line with the opening of classes, the Southern Police District (SPD) is set to field some 709 policemen to public and private schools to teach elementary and high school students on crime prevention and how to avoid being prey to criminal elements.

SPD director Chief Superintendent Prospero Noble Jr. said they would be holding a training seminar next week to brief some 70 selected officers who will take part in the Speakers’ Bureau Program.

There are 205 schools under the SPD, which is made up of the cities of Parañaque, Pasay, Makati, Muntinlupa and Las Piñas and the municipalities of Taguig and Pateros.

"Apart from the usual academic subjects, students should be aware of the dangers brought about by drug addiction, fraternity, kidnapping incidents. We want to also tell them what the police is doing and our role in community," Noble said.

He added it would be better if they can address a large audience with minimal disruption of their regular classes.

The SPD chief said they are considering the holding of discussions about crime prevention during the Monday flag ceremonies.

However, the Speakers’ Bureau Program is still in its initial stage and the topics to be discussed by police speakers are still being finalized.

Aside from polishing teaching capabilities, the heads of the 36 police community precincts as well as the chosen speakers will also have to hone their convincing skills.

"It will be up to these frontline policemen to convince the school principals to allow them to discuss the crime prevention topic to their elementary pupils and high school students," Noble said. "This should serve as a challenge to our policemen. They should not wait for the school officials to talk to them, but make an initiative. I am positive that the school officials will give a positive response."

Marikina Cops to Adopt School

The Philippine National Police has mandated the local police force to adopt a school in their area of responsibility to ensure the safety of students when classes begin next week.

Police Superintendent Abarin, Marikina deputy chief of police, said the move is part of PNP’s plan to further improve the peace and order situation in the metropolis.

"The idea of the program is to deploy 10 policemen on foot patrol in one barangay. The assigned personnel will act as coordinator for any peace and order incidents in the school from time to time," Abarin said.

The program further aims to target 100 percent police visibility at the onset of the schoolyear 2004-2005.

Moreover, Oggel’s "Oplan Balik Eskwela" will tap barangay tanods, Bantay-Bayan personnel, the Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS), school officials and students.

"These groups will assist the police in maintaining peace and order, and in prevention and monitoring of criminal elements that prey on the students, Abarin remarked.

Meanwhile, Marikina has not reported any untoward incidents involving students and school officials from any of the 65 private and 24 public schools this year.

"Marikina is a peaceful city in general and we intend to keep it that way," Abarin said.