Importance of Technology in Policing

The PNPA Cadet assigned at BCPO attended a lecture about operational responsibilities and the use of technology (eRogue, eBlotter, eWarrant, etc.) at BCPO Station 7, led by PCAPT BAOANAN and Crime Registrar NUP Jefferson Damoslog.

The Baguio City Police Office, with the support of the local government, is now following the trend of using technology to monitor all the happenings within the city. They say that focusing more on technology in law enforcement has been very helpful since the start of the pandemic, and they are embracing it now.

According to the interview by PhilStar with PMGen Valeriano de Leon, the PNP Directorate for Information and Communications Technology director stated that "even the criminal underworld is up-to-date with technological innovations." He also stressed the importance of keeping as many PNP employees as possible aware of the information and communications technology-related programs and projects to cascade these initiatives down to the lowest Police Units and Stations. [1]

Indeed, the PNP organization must go with the flow with the rising technology used in modern policing. The BCPO, with the help of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and the local government, has already switched to digital governance to collect and analyze real-time data. Digital technologies let the government respond quickly and effectively to any problem or crime.

The PNP has also benefited from the use of social media platforms. With social media, the PNP can disseminate information quickly to the public, gather information from citizens, and improve community policing. Social media platforms have made it easier for the PNP to engage with the public, build trust, and establish positive relationships.[2]

As a future Public Safety Officer, I learned that technology had become essential for the PNP to maintain peace and order in the country. It has revolutionized how the PNP operates, from crime prevention and investigations to communication and data management. The use of technology has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the PNP, making it easier to respond to emergencies, solve crimes, and prevent criminal activities. As technology advances, the PNP needs to keep up with the latest developments and use them to enhance its operations.

____________________________ [1]Tupas, E. (2022, September 17). PNP fast-tracking digital shift. Philstar.com. Retrieved February 14, 2023, from https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/09/18/2210422/pnp-fasttracking-digital-shift [2] Caliwan, C. L. (2020, September 25). PNP expands socmed engagement to boost public awareness. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1116618