The NAPOLCOM warned criminology interns that violating basic traffic laws could jeopardize their chances of becoming police officers as the agency pushes for stricter standards in police recruitment and criminology education.
NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said interns caught breaking traffic rules, including riding motorcycles without helmets, could be identified and blocked from moving forward with applications for police service or from taking NAPOLCOM examinations.
“Yang mga ‘criminology interns’ na walang helmet at nagva-violate ng traffic rules, take their photos. We will get their names, identify them, and we will NOT process their application as policemen or entertain them in the NAPOLCOM Exams,” Calinisan said.
His warning comes amid recurring online complaints involving criminology students allegedly disregarding traffic regulations. Calinisan said such behavior raises concerns about discipline among people preparing for careers in law enforcement.
NAPOLCOM has the authority to set policies and criteria for the recruitment and selection of police personnel under Republic Act No. 6975, as amended by Republic Act No. 8551 or the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998.
Calinisan also urged criminology schools to screen out students who show entitlement or disregard for the law before they reach police recruitment.
“Nanawagan ako sa mga Criminology Schools: help us by weeding out these entitled individuals as early as possible. Di dapat sila maging pulis,” he said.
He further called on schools to strengthen their curricula and avoid becoming diploma mills that produce graduates without developing the discipline expected from future police officers.
“Salain ang dapat salain. Ayusin ang curriculum. Wag diploma mill. Nation-building is everyone’s responsibility,” Calinisan said.
The PCCR backed Calinisan’s call for strict compliance with traffic laws, saying it does not condone traffic violations and that any substantiated breach would be addressed through disciplinary measures consistent with school policies and due process.
