San Fernando City, La Union- The Police Regional Office 1, in its quest for successful investigation of crimes, arrests and prosecution of suspects, opened its 45-day Investigation Officers Basic Course (IOBC) on October 25 at Concord Building, Camp Oscar M Florendo, Parian, this city.
The training, with 43 participants composing of investigators, case managers and supervisors, was spearheaded by PSSupt Reynaldo M. Tamondong as Course Coordinator, PSupt Domingo S. Eden as Assistant Course Coordinator, PSupt Robert S. Daculan as Training Manager, with PCInsp Freddie Evangelista, SPO4 Ramil Leyga, SPO2 Orestes Estigoy and SPO1 Cristine Ann Basi serving as course facilitators.
In his inspirational message, PSSupt Reynaldo G. Biay, Deputy Regional Director for Administration, stressed that no law enforcement agency nowadays can normally function unless high standards of education and training on investigation are included in its plans and operations. He further highlighted the necessity of producing well-trained police officers in the field of investigation to aid in criminal prosecution and providing measures to protect the integrity of investigation especially these days that criminal minds become technologically advance in the commission of crimes. “While there are many skilled and experienced investigators, the entire matter should never rest to their discretion,” Biay added.
The program of Instruction (POI), with 360 hours allotment, covers 10 modules as follows: Investigation as a PNP core function, Professional dimensions of a PNP investigation officer, Human rights in investigation, Conduct of investigation on criminal cases, Rules of court and prosecutional and judicial functions/duties, Essentials in criminal investigation, Criminal investigation procedures, Forensic investigation procedures, Forensic sciences, In praxis, and Field practical. The training will be culminated with four modular examinations, station deployment for 40 hours, panel critique for 24 hours and comprehensive examination for 16 hours.
Investigation Officers Basic Course is one of the components of Memorandum Circular No. 2013-002 “Professionalizing the Philippine National Police (PNP) field investigation service through the implementation of a certification program for field investigators of the PNP.” Moreover, it is a regular mandatory course for police commissioned officers which aims to enhance the investigative skills and competency of field investigators.
By MARLYN POKING-WACNAG
