Police Boxes and Community Precincts Face Digital Shift
The Philippine National Police (PNP) plans to phase out police boxes and community precincts to bring police services closer to the public through digital communication. PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III called police boxes and police community precincts (PCP) “useless” because they lack the facilities needed to conduct investigations or respond efficiently to complaints.
“We will close them because there is no investigation happening there. There’s no equipment, no materials and facility for the investigation. They only serve as a hangout place for policemen,” Torre said. This marks a significant shift in how the police intend to operate and interact with citizens.
From Physical Stations to Digital Connectivity
Originally, police boxes and PCPs were designed to serve as community touchpoints where victims of crime could seek help and police presence would be visible. However, Torre emphasized that he prefers his officers to be actively patrolling rather than staying inside these stations.
Instead of face-to-face visits, Torre expects police officers to stay connected via radios, responding quickly to incidents based on digital complaints received through 911 and other communication platforms. “We already have a facility for reporting, 911. So this is the message that I want to tell the public: Don’t look for us in the precincts or police station because the policemen are already on the phone,” he explained.
Faster Police Response Through Technology
Torre assured the public that dialling 911 will prompt police to arrive within five minutes. He requested a one-month period to fully implement this system in Metro Manila.
Earlier, Torre promised to institutionalize a quick police response program, aiming for a three-minute reaction time in highly urbanized areas that operate 24/7. This confidence stems from his successful leadership of the Quezon City Police District, where the quick response program was effectively enforced.
Local leaders noted that this digital approach could reshape public safety by enhancing police mobility and reducing the reliance on fixed police stations. The PNP’s move signals a new era where technology plays a key role in protecting communities.
For more news and updates on police modernization, visit Filipinokami.com.
