NCRPO taps COMPSTAT

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has unveiled its latest high-tech tool called COMPSTAT, which uses computer statistcis in mapping and preventing crime.

In a recent press conference, Metro police chief Director Avelino Razon Jr. said COMPSTAT will give policemen from the five police districts and 37 stations a better grasp of the crime situation and the subsequent deployment of personnel and tactics.

He is confident that COMPSTAT will be successful in Metro Manila as it was in New York City, where it was first used in 1992. The system was the brainchild of NYC Police Commissioner William Bratton.

"I am confident that COMPSTAT will be a success as it will boost our crime-fighting capability," said Razon, noting the program is now functioning at the police districts and stations. "It is intended to make our jobs easier and more simple."

During the launching, Razon showed reporters a graphic presentation of crime statistics in Metro Manila, indicating incidents like shoplifting, snatching, murder, and car thefts for the months of November and December last year.

"Take note that majority of the crime against property happened right inside shopping malls so we were right in deploying Santa Cops during the holidays," said Razon.

He added that cases of robbery and holdup occurred mostly in the surroundings of commercial centers so the NCRPO reacted correctly by deploying beat patrols in the said areas.

Razon said a broad picture of the crime situation in an area allows the NCRPO to shift its deployment of forces as a preventive measure.

"This is a very effective tool in preventing crime," Razon said." The police can locate a crime incident, area or a place in a short period instead of looking at case folders."

Ranking police officials are required to sit down for two hours every Friday to assess the crime situation in their areas of responsibilities and map out strategies to combat them. – Non Alquitran