PNP launches 'e-blotter' system

MANILA, Philippines -  The Philippine National Police (PNP) formally launched yesterday its automated blotter system, which is designed to make the recording of citizens’ complaints faster and prevent police officers from tampering with records.

PNP officials believe that once the technology is in place, there would be no more maroon blotters, which measure about 20 inches by 30 inches, that station desk officers sometimes use as pillows when they are on the night shift.

“This time, the information or citizen’s complaint will be encoded directly to the computer, so the regional headquarters will automatically get a copy of the report,” PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo said.

The system will be tested first in Metro Manila. The PNP said while the hardware is in place, the system will only start operating within the month.

Bacalzo said the electronic blotter or “e-blotter” will allow PNP officials to monitor the performance of every police station.

According to Bacalzo, the e-blotter is basically a project of the PNP- Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM).

“It will provide real-time crime data to field commanders to guide them in their crime prevention effort. It will help ensure integrity of crime data, as it will be transmitted directly by the frontline units of the PNP,” DIDM chief Director Arturo Cacdac Jr. said.

He added that the e-blotter system will be the source of data for the police clearance system that will be implemented by the PNP in the future.

Cacdac said the software was developed by the PNP’s DIDM, Information Technology Management System and the Directorate for Information Computer Technology Management.

PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo tries out the electronic blotter launched at Camp Crame yesterday. Looking on is Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome, touted as Bacalzo’s successor. BOY SANTOS

“All the 38 police stations and the five police districts in Metro Manila and the (National Capital Region Police Office) headquarters have dedicated computer units,” Cacdac said. “Units at the police stations are hooked to their respective district offices, regional office, and DIDM.”

Bacalzo said the system will allow officials to monitor police responses and developments in a case.

Cacdac assured the public that the integrity of the information in the e-blotter will be protected through a paper trail and the accountability of each custodial police officer or crime registrar.

They said assured the e-blotter will still be accessible to the public and the media because a blotter “is a public document.”