Republic of the Philippines

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

Angadanan Campus

COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINOLOGY

LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATION WITH PLANNING & CRIME MAPPING

Introduction:
Police operations proved to be successful with the cooperation of the community in the area, not only in Philippine setting
but also in most countries throughout the world. There is always a need to review and update regularly the existing strategies,
tactics and techniques used by police officers in their operations particularly in the observance of the human rights of each citizen
whom they sworn to serve and protect. The adequacy of the policy framework and its translation into operation rules and guidelines
for the daily performance of the police functions in the field (patrol, investigation, special operations and traffic management) shall
be assessed in particular.

Moreover, the course will help the student understand the procedures in the conduct of Police Operations and familiarize
with the rights of the accused detained or under investigation and to memorize the rules of arrest to avoid any violation of the law if
they will practice their profession in the future. This course also helps the students familiarize themselves in the methods and
procedures in the management of disaster and relief operation and the methods and procedures in the protection of crime scene to
ensure the validity of crime scene processing and to get the best evidence to be presented in court to give justice to the victims.
The course also helps the student understand crime mapping in the field of law enforcement and criminal justice.

Course Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, students must be analytical and critical thinkers who are able to:
1. Explain the concepts of law enforcement operations and planning.
2. Determine the various law enforcement operation procedures and planning techniques.
3. Understand the essential purpose of crime mapping in identifying and locating the causes of criminality in the community.

PRELIM PERIODIC COVERAGE

Topic1: Vision and mission of the university, quality policy, institutional outcomes and goals of the college.

Intended Learning Objectives:

At the end of the topic, students should be able to:

Internalize and put into practice what they had learned. Further, State the vision and mission of the University, quality policy,
institutional outcomes and goals of the College.

Vision

A leading university in the ASEAN region.

Mission

Isabela State University is committed to develop globally competitive human, technological resources and services
through quality instruction, innovative research, responsive community engagement and viable resource management programs
for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Quality Policy

The Isabela State University endeavors’ to be a lead university in instruction, research, extension and resource generation
through continual improvement of services.

Institutional Outcomes

ISU Expected Graduate Attributes

Skilled Communicator (SC)

Recognizes and values communication as a tool for conveying and interacting with others, and fostering their own
learning.

Inquiry-focused and Knowledgeable (IFK)

Creates new knowledge and understanding through the process of research and inquiry
Demonstrates comprehensive theoretical and technical concepts related to their field of specialization with relevant
connections to industry, professional and regional knowledge.

Competent and Productive Professional (CPP)

Initiates and innovates better ways of doing things. Promotes quality and productivity

Collaborative and Effective Leader (CEL)

Works in collaboration with others and manages group functioning to meet common goal.

Lifelong Learner (LL)

Acquires new skills and adapts to rapid changes in professional and personal environments

Goals of the College

In line with the Isabela State University’s vision and mission, the College of Criminal Justice Education is tasked to:

1. Provide broad general education in the College of Criminal Justice that is geared towards the integral development of the
human being.

2. Strengthen the program of instruction that is designed to enhance creativeness and competitiveness towards the upliftment of
the quality of life.

3. Develop students’ capabilities necessary to nurture this leadership potential for his role in environmental protection and
reservation.

4. Provide opportunities for the individual to think creatively and productively.

5. Develop critical and analytical mind in search of the truth, the good and the beautiful.

6. Development of the individuals’ ideas, attitudes and habits desirable for the improvement of the quality of his family,
community and country.

Topic 2: Police Operations

Intended Learning Outcome:

 At the end of the topic, students should be able to:

 Define Police operations

 Steps In Police Operational Planning
 Discuss The Communication As The Foundation Of Police Operation
 The Basic function of Police Patrol
 Define Patrol operation and plan

Lesson 2: POLICE OPERATIONS

POLICE OPERATIONS comprise the mission-critical aspects of a police organization. It refers to activities conducted in
the field by law enforcement officers as they “serve and protect”, including patrol, traffic, investigation and general calls for service.
Police operations consist of policies, institutional arrangements, processes and resources for the performance of policemen main
functions.

It is important to understand the context in which operations occur before looking at specific police operations and the
skills required to perform said operations effectively and efficiently. Police operations have changed for the past years from
traditional policing system to community oriented policing system.

One of the principles that foreshadowed community policing: “The police are the public and the public are police.” Police
are only successful with their jobs when they elicited public approval and assistance in their actions without resorting to force or the
severity of law.

STEPS IN POLICE OPERATIONAL PLANNING

• Frame of Reference
careful selection on the matters relating to the situation for which plans are being develop, and opinions of ideas of
persons who may speak with authority on the subject concerned.

• Clarifying the problems

Identification of the problem understanding both its record and its possible solutions.
• Collection all Pertinent Facts
Both attempts shall be made to develop a plan until facts relating to it have been gathered.

• Analysing the facts

a careful analysis and evaluation shall be made.

• Developing alternative Plans

In the initial phases of plan development, several alternative measures will appear to be logically comparable to the needs
of a situation.

• Selecting the most appropriate Alternative

A careful consideration of all facts usually leads to the selection of a “best” of alternative proposal.

• Selling the plan

A plan to be effectively carried out must be accepted be persons concerned at the appropriate level of the plans
development.

• Arranging for Executions of the Plan

The execution of a plan requires the issuance of orders and directives to unit personnel concerned the establishment of a
schedule, and the provisions of manpower and equipment for carrying out the plans.

• Evaluating the Effectiveness of the plan

The results of the plan shall be determined, this necessary in order to know whether a correct
Communication: The Foundation of Police Operations

Communication skills are critical to every aspect of effective police operation. Effective communication can produce
several positive outcomes and can be used to inform, persuade, diffuse, guide, motivate, reassure and negotiate.

Communication is defined as any act by which one person gives to or receives from another person’s information about
that person’s needs, desires, perceptions, knowledge or affective states. Communication may be intentional or unintentional, may
involve conventional or unconventional signals, may take linguistic or non - linguistic form, and may occur through spoken or other
modes.

Definition of Interpersonal Communication

The Contextual View

One way of defining interpersonal communication is to compare it to other forms of communication. In so doing, we would examine
how many people are involved, how physically close they are to one another, how many sensory channels are used, and the
feedback provided.

Interpersonal communication

differs from other forms of communication in that there are few participants involved, the inter-actions are in close physical
proximity to each other, there are many sensory channels used, and feedback is immediate an important point to note about the
contextual definition is that it does not take into account the relationship between the interactions.

The developmental view

We have many different relationships with people. Some researchers say that our definition of interpersonal communication must
account for these differences. These researchers say that interacting with a sales clerk in a store is different than the relationship
we have with our friends and family members. Thus, some researchers have proposed an alternative way of defining interpersonal
communication. This is called developmental view. From this view, interpersonal communication is defined as communication that
occurs between people who have known each other for some time. Importantly, these people view each other as unique
individuals, not as people who are simply acting out of social situations.

Active listening

Is concentrating on the message as well as on its intent and feelings. It involves attending skills, encouragement or motivational
skills and reflecting skills.

Effective Listening

Listening is a critical skill in law enforcement. It is necessary for effective verbal communication and result in a better understanding
of people and increased cooperation from them.

Listen to learn and understand, not to challenge or persuade

Take turns and listen for facts and feelings.

The Basic function of Police Patrol are as follows:

1. Preventive Enforcement- This will prevent crime through noticeable presence of uniformed policemen.
2. Selective Enforcement- Although highly mobile it cannot cover all areas, hence, patrol to selective concentrate where
trouble is likely to occur.
3. Traffic Enforcement- This refers to proper implementation of traffic laws, rules and regulations along highways, roads,
streets to control mobility of vehicles and pedestrians.
4. Responding to emergency call of service- The patrol force being the backbone and front-liners in the police service is
usually the first at the scene, such as emergencies of fire, accidents, drowning, attempt suicides, mobs and riots, etc. This
requires special trainings in first aid, leadership, riot control, etc.
5. Routine calls of service- Responding to complaint either through the phone, in person or in writing or any other means.
 6. Courtesy calls- The reason for this, is the fact that the police agency is a service agency. Examples include: assisting a
blind person cross the street; or providing police escort to VIP’s
7. General Information- Assisting a tourist in locating a friend.
8. Preservation of evidence- Protecting crime scene before the investigation is done.
9. Making reports- Gathering and reporting information regarding criminal activities, missing persons, recovered articles.
PATROL OPERATIONS

The most basic police operation. It has been said that patrol operation is the “backbone of police department”, the “most
important component in any police organizations, because it is the omnipresence of the police in the community”.

Law enforcement officers are the integral part in the conduct of a successful police operation. Officers must use effective
communication skills, including active listening skills. They must document their actions in well written reports.

The SARA problem solving technique has contributed greatly to policing effectiveness and consists of 4 stages.

1. Scanning- Identifying problems

2. Analysis- Learning the problem’s causes, scope and effects
3. Response- Acting to alleviate the problem
4. Assessment- Determining whether the response worked
Topic 3: Philippine National Police Operational Master Plans

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of the topic, students should be able to:

 Discuss Sandigan PNP’s master plan for anti-criminality

 Discuss Sandugo- PNP’s master plan for internal security operation
 Discuss Sangyaman- PNP’s master plan to help protect and preserve our environment, culture properties and natural
resources
 Discuss Sanbanat- PNP’s master plan for the campaign against illegal drugs
 Discuss Sang ingat- PNP’s master plan for security preparation
 Discuss Saklolo - PNP’s master plan for disaster preparedness
Lesson 3: Philippine National Police Operational Master Plans

The operational master plans are plans for the operation of special divisions like the patrol, detective, traffic, disaster
management and juvenile control divisions. It is prepared to accomplish each of the primary police tasks. Operational planning is
the final step in the planning hierarchy. It coordinates the work standards and the appropriate individual to implement tactical plans.

An operational Planning is a subset of strategic work plan. It describes short term ways of achieving milestones and
explains how, or what portion of a strategic plan will be put into operation during a given budgetary term. An operational plan is the
basis for and justification of an annual operating budget request. Therefore, a five-year strategic plan would need five operational
plans funded by five operating budgets. Like a strategic plan, an operational plan address four questions:

 Where are we now?

 Where do we want to be?
 How do we get there?
 How do we measure our progress?
The operational Plan (OP) is both the first and last step in preparing an operating budget request. Operational plans should be
prepared by the people who will be involved in implementation. There is often a need for significant cross-departmental dialogue as
plans created by one part of the organization inevitably have implications for other plans.

Operational plans should contain:

 Clear objectives
 Activities to be delivered
 Quality standards
  Desired outcomes
 Staffing and resource requirements
 Implementation timetable
 A process for monitoring progress
PNP Plans for Police Operations

In line with this context, the Philippine National Police as a police organization has established 6 Master Plans in the
conduct of police operations. These Master plans for operations serve as a ready reference of all PNP units in the performance of
their mandated tasks. It also serves as a guiding tool for the organization to achieve its vision, mission and goals.

These master plans help all PNP uniformed personnel to fully understand and effectively implement the various operational plans
designed to address major threats to criminality, safety and security.

Master Plans

Sandigan

Objectives

1. T reduce index crime

2. To improve response time
3. To improve crime solution efficiency
4. To increase conviction rate
5. To operationalize COPS through the Police Community Precincts for the 24-hour community security coverage
Sandugo

Objectives

1. To develop capability of field units to fully operationalize this ISO support plan for the government and AFP in particular
2. To support the AFP in the isolation of the underground infrastructure and front organizations of the insurgents in the towns
and cities from the general population
3. To enhance intelligence activities against threat groups
4. To enhance the conduct of legal offensive against the insurgents
5. To supports the government’s Peace and Development Plan to include Peace and reconciliation Plan

Sangyaman

Objectives

To protect, conserve and develop our environment and natural resources, in coordinating with and in direct support of all
government agencies

Startegic Concept

1. Operationalization of Integral Area/ Community Public Safety Plan. The primary responsibility of the PNP is to
assist the DENR and other tasked government agencies in the conduct of anti-crime operations implementing
appropriate environment, cultural and natural resources protection laws.

2. Employment of both territorial units/ offices and selected NSUs in the conduct of an all-out and sustained campaign
to protect and preserve our environment, natural heritage and natural resources should be executed in tandem with
concerned government agencies.

Broad Objectives
 To protect conserve and develop our environment and natural resources, in coordination with and in direct support of
all concerned government agencies.

Specific Objectives

1. Protect Lives-
2. Enhance Public safety-

Five (5) Immediate Concerns That Should Be Addressed for The Protection Of The Environment, Cultural Properties
And Natural Resources

1. Protection of Forest
2. Protection of fisheries, Marine life and aquatic Resources
3. Ensuring clean and safety Land, Air and water
4. Preservation of Endangered species and other wild life
5. Protection of cultural properties

In view of the above enumerated problems concerning the environment and natural resources, It is the policy of the state
to protect the people by effectively enforcing environmental protection laws that would address these problems.

Sang-Ingat- PNP’s master plan on Security preparations.

This master plan set forth the strategic concepts and operational guidelines, as well as contingency plan to ensure
the maintenance of peace and order during the year-round observance of holidays, which involves great concern on
movement of the citizens, international, national and local meeting/ conferences/ events and rallies/ mass action in
protest to wide range of issues.

Sanbanat- PNP’s master plan for the campaign against illegal drugs.
Saklolo- PNP’s master plan for disaster preparedness.

Topic 4: Counter – Insurgency Strategy

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of the topic, students should be able to:

 Discuss the concept of counter – insurgency strategy.

 Discuss the concept of operations of PNP.
 Discuss the definition of terms.
Lesson 4: Concept of operations:

Strategic Concept

1. The PNP shall basically support the AFP’s ISO Campaign Plan “Balangai” through the conduct of limited internal security
operations, sustained law enforcement and PCR activities, intensive information gathering and the conduct of investigation and
prosecution of ISO related cases.

2. The PNP campaign plan shall also follow Clear-Hold-Support operational methodology as herein indicated in support to the
integration efforts of the military and other civilian agencies of the government as envisioned in the NPDP and the strategy of “Total
Approach”.

The CLEAR STAGE shall involve the conduct of combat, Intelligence and.

The HOLD STAGE shall involve the utilization of the territorial defence forces to limit the freedom of actions and movement of the
CPP/NPA, limit is access to resources and reduce mass base support to the CPP/NPA/NDF. This phase shall have the following
end state. Integrated Area/Community Public Safety Plan (IA/CPSP) is organised and established, in order to protect the people,
defend communities and secure vital assets and installation. The PNP will be primarily responsible for the Hold Stage in areas
which are turned over to the PNP or where there are no AFP units assigned. However, other areas especially in those areas where
AFP units are present or where AFP supervises CAFGU then the IA/CPSP is responsible.

The SUPPORT STAGE is a “work in progress: It shall involve police support to consolidation and development activities of other
agencies of government. The PNP within its capability shall play a supportive role in these activities, including but not limited to the
conduct of medical and dental civic action, adult literacy programs and providing security in support and in coordination with AFP to
civil government agencies in their delivery of basic services in far-flung and strife-torn area.

The CONSOLIDATION STAGE aims to strengthen government control and authority in contested barangays and develop the
capability of local officials to effectively govern their barangays. This stage has the following end-state;

1. Government authority and control in contested areas re-established or strengthened,

2. Government services delivered,
3. Counter-organizations further expanded and consolidated, and
4. Mass support for the government is enhanced.

The Development Stage has the following for its end state:

1. Root causes of insurgency effectively addressed, and

2. Political and socio-economic reforms planned at the beginning of the campaign are sustained.

Operational Concept

The HNHQ-PNP, through its directional staff, shall supervise and support the Police Regional Offices in implementing the
strategic agenda and operational concept of this counter-insurgency strategy. The PNP leadership, through the NALEC, The
NDCC and the NPOC, shall coordinate and cooperate with other national government agencies in the realization of the intent of
this counter-insurgency strategy.

Legal Offensive Activities (Investigation)

1.) Provide efficient and well-coordinated investigation documentation and prosecution of all ISO related cases, in coordination
with the DND/AFP, DOJ and the commission on Human Rights.

2.) Sustain the filling of ISO related cases and follow-up the prosecution of cases in court against the insurgents.

Definition of Terms

1. Armed Conflict- refers to any conflict between government forces and organized groups which involves the actual use of armed
force and which disrupts normal social, economic, political and cultural activities in a specific geographical area.

2. Centers of Gravity- Are the “source of strength and balance”’ that characteristic, capability or locality from wherein the enemy
derives its freedom of action, physical strength or the will to fight. It is the “hub of all power and movement”. A major shift in
operational direction, the replacement of a key enemy commander, the fielding of new units or weaponry can significantly shift
centers of gravity.

3. Combat Operations- These shall mean offensive and defensive operations such as attack, counter attack, bombing, artillery
barrage and other tactical actions involving the use of bigger, tactical forces, bigger calibre weapons, better armoured vehicles and
both air and naval weapon systems.

4. Community- Oriented Policing System- an integrated approach to the community’s public safety concern which is based on the
notion that the police can provide better services to the community through the development of an effective partnership between
and among them. Such partnership must be based on the trust ad goodwill in order to facilitate voluntary community support and
cooperation to law enforcement/crime prevention and control activities, thus enhance police effectiveness and efficiency, given the
same police resource.

5. Counter Insurgency- These are the economic, socio-cultural, political reforms and development including the military and police
actions undertaken by the Government in order to defeat insurgency.

6. Counter Intelligence- An aspect of intelligence devoted to offensive actions to destroy or neutralize the effectiveness of adverse
intelligence activities and undertake defensive actions to protect information against espionage, individual against subversion and
installation or material against sabotage.

7. Government Forces- refers to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and other armed groups
supporting the government forces.

8. Information- refers to unevaluated material of every descriptions including those derived from observation, communications,
reports, rumors, imagery and other sources from which intelligence is produced.

9. Information Gathering- it is an activity aimed at identifying the composition, organization and leadership, disposition, training,
strategy and tactics, logistic combat effectiveness, plans and other related information about the insurgents and other threat
groups.

10. Insurgency- a condition of subversive political activity, civil rebellion, revolt or insurrections against a duly constituted
government or occupying power, where irregular forces are formed and engaged in actions, which may include guerrilla warfare,
that the designed to defy, weaken and/or overthrow the government and occupying power.

11. Integrated Area/ Community Public Safety Plan (IA/CPSP)- Is the blue print for the protection of lives and properties in a given
locality. It is focused on total mobilization of all available resources and the simultaneous conduct of complementary programs
involving the civilian, police military components of the society. It has ten (10) areas of concern namely; crime prevention, law
enforcement, prosecution, corrections, fire preventions and suppressions, counter insurgency, environmental protection, health and
sanitation, civil defence and community development.

12. Integrated Territorial Defence System (ITDS)- Is a strategy of integrating the effort of mobile, forces, territorial forces (AFP
designated territorial forces, CAA companies, PNP and local defence organizations); local government ; local sectorial
organizations (NGOs, POs) and the local populace into an effective defence and security system that will secure and insulate the
locality from enemy influences incursion or re-entry.

13. Intelligence- a meaningful statement or a product derived from information which has been selected, recorded, evaluated,
analysed, integrated and interpreted so that its immediate mandate or potential significance to the development and execution of
plans, policies and operations is made clear.

14. Internal Security- refers to the wide range of measures taken by the government to free and protect its society from
subversions, lawlessness and insurgency. It is established and maintain primarily to create an atmosphere of relative peace and
order under which national development could be achieved.

15. Internal Security Operation – activities designed to preserved internal security against insurgent, secessionists and terrorist.
Among others, it includes territorial defence operation, intelligence, combat, military and police service relations and psychological
operations.

16. Investigation – The process whereby the facts of the commissions of an offense, identify of the persons responsible and the
place of commissions of the offense, are known through examination of the crime scene, interview, or questioning of the witnesses,
the complainants or suspect, and the pieces of evidence presented.

17. National Development- refers to those actions taken by the government to foster and strengthen its responsiveness and
capabilities to meet the needs of the society, and to promote the growth of a viable political, economic and social institution that will
insure freedom from conditions bearing potentials for internal conflict.

18. National Security- Refers to the state or condition wherein the people’s way of life and attitudes, their institutions, territorial
integrity and sovereignty, including their well-being, are protected, and enhanced. It is synonymous with the protection of the
political, economic, psycho- social, military, geo-ecological and techno-scientific environment of the nation.

19. Operational Control (OPCON)- Those functions of command involving composition of subordinate forces, the assignment of
tasks, the designation of objectives and the authoritative direction necessary to accomplish the mission. Operational control should
be exercised by the use of the assigned normal organizational units through their respective commanders or through the
commanders of subordinate forces established by the commander exercising operational control. It does not include such matters
as administration, discipline, internal organization and unit training except when a subordinate commander requests assistance.

20. Order of Battle- is a document which reflect enemy composition, disposition, strength, tactics, logistics, training, combat
effectiveness, miscellaneous data and personalities.

21. Police Functions- These are the regular, customary or normal duties and activities of the police in the performance of its
mandate, as enumerated in sec. 24 of RA 6975 as amended by RA 8551.

22. Primary/ Lead Role- As used herein, shall mean providing the principal planning, direction, control and resources for internal
security operations. This shall also include the responsibility for preparing internal security assessment and other related
documents and reports unless specified by law or directed by competent authority, as well as the establishment and administration
of an appropriate rewards system.

23. Support for Combat Operation- Assisting the lead agency in internal security operations with personnel and material resources
within the capability of the PNP.

24. Threats to National Security- These are dangers to the components National security that could come from within or from
without the nation state. They may be political, economic, military, psycho-social, techno-scientific and geo- ecological in nature
including but not limited to organized syndicate crimes, terrorism, rebellion, coup d ‘etat and insurgency.

Topic 5: General Procedures for Police Operations

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of the topic, students should be able to:

 Understand the concepts of the general procedures for police operations.

 Learn the function of police officer, their uniform, attire and accessories.
 Learn the categories of police operation.
 Familiar with the pre-operation clearance and the requirements of police operation.
 Know when to use force and when to use firearm during police operation.
 Know the patrol procedure, spot checks/accosting and pat down searches, checkpoints and internal security operation
 Learn the rules of arrest, rights of the accused under custodial investigation.

Lesson 5: General Procedures for Police Operations

Regardless of the type of function to be performed and/or police operations to be conducted. All PNP personnel must
know by heart and shall comply and apply the following procedures:

Rule 1. Functions of a Police Officer

To Serve and Protect - The responsibility of every police officer is to serve the public and protect life and property. No police
operation shall be conducted in order to serve or protect the illegal activity of a particular person, group or criminal syndicate.

To Observe Human Rights and Dignity of Person - All PNP personnel shall respect the human rights and dignity of the suspect/s
during police operations.

Rule 2. Police Uniform, Attire and Accessories

Agency Prescribed Uniform - A police officer shall always wear the agency prescribed uniform which is appropriate for the kind of
police operation to be undertaken.

Appearing Before the Public - When wearing the police uniform, a police officer shall, at all times, appear presentable, smart and
well-groomed. While on actual patrol duties, he shall refrain from eating along the sidewalks, smoking and reading newspapers.

Carrying of Police Notebook, Pen and Miranda Warning Card - Every police officer on patrol, whether on board a vehicle or on foot
patrol, must always carry with him a police notebook, a pen and the Miranda Warning Card. The notebook, which is approximately
pocket-sized, will be used to inscribe important events that transpire during his tour of duty.

Carrying of Non-Lethal Weapon in the Police Rig - Every police officer shall carry in his prescribed rig a non-lethal weapon (pepper
spray, baton or stun gun), which shall be primarily used in a non-armed confrontation with an uncooperative and unruly offender
during the arrest.

Rule 3. Categories of Police Operations

Public Safety Operation – includes Search, Rescue and Retrieval Operations, Fire Drills, Earthquake Drills and similar operations
that promote public safety.

Law Enforcement Operation – includes Service of Warrant of Arrest, Implementation of Search Warrant, Enforcement of Visitorial
Powers of the Chief, Philippine National Police and Unit Commanders, Anti-Illegal Drugs Operation, Anti-Illegal Gambling
Operations, Anti-Illegal Logging Operations, Anti-Illegal Fishing Operations, Anti-Carnapping Operations, Anti-Kidnapping
Operations, Anti-Cyber Crime Operations and similar operations that are conducted to enforce laws, statutes, executive orders and
ordinances.

Internal Security Operation – includes Counter-Insurgency Operations, Counter Terrorist Operations and similar operations that are
conducted to ensure internal security.

Special Police Operation – includes Checkpoint Operation, Roadblock Operation, Civil Disturbance Management Operation, Police
Assistance in the Enforcement of Demolition Eviction Injunction and Similar Orders, Police Assistance in the Implementation of
Final Court Order and Order from Quasi-Judicial Bodies, Hostage Situation, Visit Board Search and Seizure Onboard Marine
Vessels and similar police operations that are conducted by police units with specialized training on the peculiarity of the mission or
purpose.

Intelligence Operation – includes Surveillance Operation, Counter Intelligence, Intelligence Research, Intelligence Assessment and
similar police intelligence operation conducted to gather information related to security, public safety and order.

Investigation Operation – includes Investigation of Crime or Incident, Administrative Investigation and similar investigative work
necessary to determine facts and circumstances for filing cases criminally or administratively.

Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) – includes the processing of crime scene, technical and forensic examination of evidences
and similar scientific investigative assistance.

Rule 4. Pre-Operational Clearance

No police operation shall be conducted without the approval of the Chief/Commander/Head of the concerned Police
Unit/Office. A pre-operational clearance shall be filed by the Team Leader of the operating team/s prior to the conduct of the
operation and shall be approved by the concerned Police Unit Commander. This clearance shall be submitted to the operations
section/division of the concerned police unit for record purposes.

RULE 5. Inter-Unit Coordination

Personal Coordination or by Official Representative - Team Leader/s (TL) of local police units operating outside their territorial
jurisdiction and National Support Units
(NSUs) shall coordinate, personally or through an official representative, with the Police Regional, Provincial or City
Police Office within whose jurisdiction the operation is to be conducted.

Coordination by Filing Coordination Form - Prior to the launching of the operation, except in cases where the formal (in writing)
inter-unit coordination cannot be made due to the nature and/or urgency of the situation such as, but not limited to, cross-
jurisdictional pursuit operations, coordination should be made formally using the prescribed
Coordination Form, which shall be fi led with the concerned operation center of the Police Regional, Provincial or City Office
(Annex “A” – Coordination Form).
Coordination by Practical/Available Means of Communication - In cases where formal inter-unit coordination is not feasible, the
Police Unit concerned shall endeavour to notify the territorial police office through any practical/available means of communication
at any time during the operation and, if not possible, shall accomplish and furnish the territorial Police Office a written incident
report immediately after the termination of the operation.

Rule 6. Requirements of Police Operations

Basic Requirements - Police operations like arrest, search and seizure, checkpoint, roadblocks, demolition and civil disturbance
management shall be conducted as follows:
a. With a marked police vehicle;
b. Led by a Police Commissioned Officer (PCO); and
c. With personnel in prescribed police uniform or attire.

Use of Megaphones and Similar Instruments - During actual police intervention operations, the Team Leader shall use peaceful
means including the use of megaphones or any other similar instruments to warn or influence the offender/s or suspect/s to stop
and/or peacefully give up.

Warning Shots Prohibited - The police shall not use warning shots during police intervention operations.

Rule 7. Use of Force during Police Operations

Use of Excessive Force Prohibited - The excessive use of force during police operation is prohibited. However, in the
lawful performance of duty, a police officer may use necessary force to accomplish his mandated tasks of enforcing the
law and maintaining peace and order.

Issuance of Verbal Warning - The police officer must first issue a verbal warning before he could use force against an
offender. As far as practicable, the verbal warning shall be in the dialect that is known to the offender or in the national
language. Basically, the verbal warning shall consist of the following: the police officer identifying himself; his intention;
and what he wants the offender to do. If the offender is a foreigner, the verbal warning shall be done in the English
language followed by a demonstrative act of the police officer’s intent. The verbal warning shall be done in a loud and
clear manner.

Non-Issuance of Verbal Warning When Excusable - The failure to issue a verbal warning is excusable in cases where
threat to life or property is already imminent, and there is no other option but to use force to subdue the offender.

Use of Non-Lethal Weapon - When suspect is violent or threatening, and that less physical measures have been tried
and deemed inappropriate, a more extreme, but non-deadly measure can be used such as baton/truncheon, pepper
spray, stun gun and other nonlethal weapon to bring the suspect under control, or effect an arrest.

Application of Necessary and Reasonable Force - During confrontation with an armed offender, only such necessary and
reasonable force should be applied as would be sufficient to overcome the resistance put up by the offender; subdue the
clear and imminent danger posed by him; or to justify the force/act under the principles of self-defence, defence of
relative, or defence of stranger.

Factors to Consider in the Reasonableness of the Force Employed - A police officer, however, is not required to afford
offender/s attacking him the opportunity for a fair or equal struggle. The reasonableness of the force employed will
depend upon the number of aggressors, nature and characteristic of the weapon used, physical condition, size and other
circumstances to include the place and occasion of the assault. The police officer is given the sound discretion to
consider these factors in employing reasonable force.

Responsibility of the Police Officer in Charge of the Operation

The police officer who is in charge of the operation shall, at all times, exercise control over all police personnel in the area
of operation, and shall exhaust all possible means to apply the necessary and reasonable force to protect lives and
properties during armed confrontation.

Use of Firearms during Police Operations

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of the topic, students should be able to:

 Know when to use force and when to use firearm during police operation.
 Know the patrol procedure, spot checks/accosting and pat down searches, checkpoints and internal security operation
 Learn the rules of arrest, rights of the accused under custodial investigation.

Lesson 6: Use of Firearm When Justified

The use of firearm is justified if the offender poses imminent danger of causing death or injury to the police officer or other
persons. The use of firearm is also justified under the doctrines of self-defence, defence of a relative, and defence of a stranger.
However, one who resorts to self-defence must face a real threat on his life, and the peril sought to be avoided must be actual,
imminent and real. Unlawful aggression should be present for self-defence to be considered as a justifying circumstance.

Firing at Moving Vehicles Prohibited But with Exceptions

A moving vehicle shall not be fi red upon except when its occupants pose imminent danger of causing death or injury to
the police officer or any other person, and that the use of firearm does not create a danger to the public and outweighs the likely
benefits of its non-use.

Parameters to be considered in Firing at Moving Vehicles - In firing at a moving vehicle, the following parameters should be
considered:
a. The intent of the suspect/s to harm the police officer or other persons;
b. The capability of the suspect/s to harm with certainty the police officer or other persons; and
c. Accessibility or the proximity of the suspect/s from the police officer and other persons.

Filing of an Incident Report after the Use of Firearm

A police officer who fires his service firearm or weapon during a confrontation with an offender or offenders must submit
an incident report outlining the circumstances necessitating the use of his firearm.

Procedures after an Armed Confrontation

Immediately after an armed confrontation, the officer who is in charge of the operation shall:
a. Secure the site of confrontation;
b. Take photographs;
c. Check whether the situation still poses imminent danger;
d. Evacuate the wounded to the nearest hospital;
e. Ensure that all persons who died on the spot are not moved from their original position;
f. Arrested suspects should be kept in isolation;
g. Conduct debriefing on all involved PNP operatives;
h. Submit After-Operations Report; and
i. Ensure psychological stress counselling for all involved PNP operatives.

Patrol Procedures

Patrol Guidelines
1. Observe precautionary measures and personal safety while on patrol;
2. Observe defensive driving and follow traffic rules and regulations;
3. Select routes which provide best visibility;
4. Patrol members must be always on the look-out for indications of vices and other illegal activities on their beat;
5. Patrol members must be knowledgeable of all conditions, events and details of places on their beat;
6. Be observant of people, places, situations or conditions and develop a suspicious attitude especially if the subject
appears to be slightly out of the ordinary;
7. Keep under close observation actions of juveniles, trouble makers/agitators and the mentally ill/retarded persons;
8. Be familiar, as much as possible, with known criminals/ ex-convicts residing in or frequenting the patrol beat;
9. Be familiar with stay-in employees of business establishments on your beat;
10. Be on the alert for loiterers;
11. Keep watch on uninhabited homes;
12. Observe the practice of “shaking doors” of unguarded business establishments during night patrol. Check for signs of
intrusion;
13. Establish good rapport with the people on your beat;
14. Develop contacts by getting to know as many people as possible who can give factual information about crime
conditions on the patrol beat;
15. Use tact and persuasiveness when conducting spot inquiry or questioning individuals for information;
16. When requiring identification from a suspicious person or any individual, avoid taking the wallet or bag in which the
cards/documents are placed. Let the individual remove and hand them to you;
17. When checking suspicious persons, places, buildings/ establishments and vehicles especially during night time, be prepared
to use your service firearm. Flashlight should be held tightly away from the body to avoid making you a possible target; and
18. Patrol members should avoid loitering in theatres, restaurants and other recreational places.

Duties of Patrol Supervisors

1. In any operation, careful planning is a must in order to avoid waste of time, effort and resources. Make a patrol plan with the
following details:
(a) Area Coverage: safe haven, ambush areas and crime-prone areas;
(b) Organizational Detail of Personnel;
(c) Duration;
(d) Stand-by points; and
(e) Route plan.
2. Designate and select the members of the patrol team/s;
3. Inspect the members of the patrol for completeness of uniforms, operational readiness and all government issued equipment
(firearms, mobile car, radio, etc.) to ensure that these are well maintained and properly used by the Patrol Officer;
4. Conduct briefing prior to dispatch by disseminating any orders, directives or instructions from the Chief of Police or higher
authorities and new policy or guidelines being implemented by the PNP Organization;
5. Remind the patrol team about the strict observance of the PNP Operational Procedures;
6. Strictly observe “Buddy System” during the patrol operations;
7. Render hourly report of location and situation through radio/telephone/cell phone to Police Community Precinct (PCP)/Station
Headquarters Tactical Operation Center (TOC);
8. Render after-patrol report duly signed by detailed personnel. PCP Commanders shall collate and submit significant details to the
Station Patrol Supervisor, who in turn, will submit the same to the Provincial/District Patrol Supervisor; and
9. Conduct debriefing after the patrol to assess its conduct and make necessary corrective measures on defects noted.

Duties of Patrol Officer

1. Attend the Roll Call Formation before his Tour of Duty for briefing and likewise attend the after Tour of Duty formation for
debriefing;
2. Patrol the assigned beats, observe and check suspicious people, structures/buildings, compounds and vehicles;
3. Observe and monitor public gatherings, prevent disorders and disperse unlawful assemblies;
4. Inspect and/or conduct surveillance in various business establishments and other installations and remove hazards to public
safety;
5. Check suspicious vehicles (private, public, or commercial/delivery vehicles) along the main roads/ highways in the course
of their patrol;
6. Report occurrences and conditions which relate to crime, public peace, order and safety;
7. Prevent crimes and arrest sighted law violators, assuring the public that peace is preserved;
8. Conduct regular visitations, dialogues/consultations with the residents and other stakeholders;
9. Assist personnel of responsible agencies/unit in facilitating the flow of traffic at busy intersections/roads within his Area of
Responsibility (AOR), assist and provide pedestrian information such as directions and street locations;
10. Enforce city/municipal ordinances on liquor establishments and night clubs, cabarets and all houses of ill-repute;
11. Respond to calls, entertain complaints, initiate the investigation and protection of the scene and minimize the after-
effects of accidents, fi res and other catastrophes;
12. Patrol Officers shall wear the prescribed patrol uniform; and
m. Patrol Officers must have the equipment necessary in the performance of their duty.

Guidelines and Procedures when Responding to Calls for Police Assistance

1. Gather and note down in the patrol officer’s logbook all available data as to the nature of the calls, date, time and
name of the caller. It may be regular, urgent or emergency in nature.
2. The manner of approach will be dependent on the nature of the call, with haste/secrecy or with/ without flashing lights
and sirens.
3. Consider the pertinent factors like the time, traffic conditions, the possibility of greater damage and the
neighbourhood characteristics.
4. Stop the patrol car some distance from the scene.
5. Approach the scene on foot, in complete silence and exercising extreme caution.
6. Immediately attend to the injured, unless the other members of the patrol are in immediate danger.
7. Focus all efforts to arrest criminals; however, priority shall be given to aiding the injured.
8. Determine the crime committed, identify and question briefly the victim/complainant and possible witnesses at
the scene.
9. If the suspects or criminals have fled the scene before the arrival of the patrol team, immediately relay the
composition, armament, appearance, and mode and direction of escape of the suspects to the Operations Center for the
conduct of dragnet operations.
10. When responding to street fights/brawls, the patrol member should call for back-up before intervening. If there
are no injuries and insufficient corroborative statements obtained to identify who started the fight, disperse the crowd and
make complete notes.
11. Never treat calls or complaints of loud noises caused by barking dogs, drunks, appliances and parties as negligible or
a nuisance. They only need courteous and tactful intervention and not enforcement actions.
12. When responding to calls for police assistance due to planted or found explosives, never attempt to handle, move or
lift the object. Instead contact Operations Center and request for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (EODT). On-lookers must be
promptly led to a safe distance away from the scene.
13. When responding to calls from owners of beer houses, bars or inns or any other similar establishments during night
time, request the owner to put the lights on first before entering the establishments.
14. Do not attempt to arbitrate and resolve conflicts/ differences between neighbours, landlords/tenants, husband and
wife.

Spot Checks/Accosting and Pat-Down Searches

Grounds for Spot Check/Search

a. Spot Check/Accosting - The police officer may stop an individual for the purpose of conducting a spot check/ accosting only
when reasonable suspicion exists. Reasonable suspicion must be more than just a hunch or feeling. In justifying the stop, the
police officer must be able to point to specific facts that, when taken together with rational inferences, reasonably warrant the stop.
Such facts include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) The appearance or demeanour of the individual suggests that he is part of a criminal enterprise or is engaged in a
criminal act;
(2) The actions of the individual suggest that he is engaged in a criminal activity;
(3) Questionable presence of the individual in the area;
(4) The subject is carrying a suspicious object;
(5) The suspect’s clothing bulges in a manner that suggests he is carrying a weapon;
(6) The suspect has been found in the time and place proximate to an alleged crime;
(7) The police officer has knowledge of the suspect’s prior criminal record or involvement in criminal activity; and
(8) The individual flees at the sight of a police officer.

b. Body Frisk/Pat-Down Search - A police officer has the right to perform a pat-down search if the individual has been legitimately
stopped with reasonable suspicion and when the police officer has reason to believe that the individual possesses weapon/s on his
person and poses a threat to the police officer’s or another person’s safety. Circumstances which may justify pat-down search:
(1) The type of crime believed to be committed by the subject, particularly crimes of violence where the threat of
use or use of deadly weapon is involved;
(2) Where the police officer handles several suspects;
(3) The time of the day and the location where the pat down search took place;
(4) Prior knowledge by the police officer of the suspect’s use of force and/or propensity to carry deadly weapons;
(5) The appearance and demeanour of the suspect;
(6) Visual indications suggesting that the suspect is carrying a firearm or other deadly weapon; and
(7) Whenever possible, pat-down searches should be performed by police officers of the same gender.

Procedures and Guidelines

1. Spot Check/Accosting
(a) When approaching the individual, the police officer shall clearly identify himself as a police officer. If not in uniform, the
police officer must identify himself by announcing his identity and displaying official identification card and/or badge.
(b) Police officers shall be courteous at all times but maintain caution and remain vigilant for suspicious movements like
attempting to retrieve weapon, conceal or discard contraband, or other similar actions.
(c) Before approaching more than one individual, police officers should determine whether the circumstances warrant a
request for back-up and whether the spot check/accosting can and should be delayed until such back-up arrives.
(d) Police officers shall confine their questions as to the person’s identity, place of residence, and other inquiries
necessary to resolve the police officer’s suspicion. However, in no instance shall a police officer hold a person longer than the
period reasonably necessary to be able to make these limited inquiries and to resolve suspicions.
(e) Police officers are not required to inform the person of his rights under the law (i.e. Miranda Warning, Anti-torture law,
etc.) unless the person is placed under arrest.

2. Body Frisk/Pat-Down Search

When reasonable suspicion justifies a pat-down search, the search should be performed with due caution, restraint, and
sensitivity. Pat-down searches should be conducted in the following manner:
(a) Whenever possible, pat-down searches should be conducted by at least two (2) police officers, one to perform the
search while the other provides protective cover.
(b) Because pat-down searches are cursory in nature, they should be performed with the suspect in a standing position,
or with hands placed against a stationary object, and feet spread apart. However, should an officer visually observe a weapon, a
more secure search position may be used like the prone (lying face down) position.
(c) In a pat-down search, officers are permitted only to feel the outer clothing of the suspect. Police officers may not place
their hands inside the pockets of the subject’s clothing unless they feel an object that could probably be a weapon, such as a gun,
knife, club, or the like.
(d) If the suspect is carrying an object such as a handbag, suitcase, briefcase, sack, or other similar items that may
conceal a weapon, the police officer should not open the item but instead put it in a place out of the suspect’s reach.
(e) If the external patting of the suspect’s clothing fails to disclose evidence of a weapon, no further search may be made.
If a weapon is found and the possession of which amounts to a violation of the law, the police officer shall arrest the suspect and
conduct a complete search of his person.

Reporting after the Spot Check/Accosting or Pat-Down Search

If after conducting a spot check/accosting or pat-down search, the police officer has no basis for making an arrest, he
should record the facts of such spot check/accosting or pat-down search and forward a report to the appropriate authority. If the
spot check/accosting or pat-down search gives a justification for a valid warrantless arrest, then an arrest shall be made.