PNP tightens screening of police applicants over alleged traffic violations by criminology interns

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday it was tightening its recruitment standards to weed out aspiring police officers with questionable character, following reports of criminology interns violating traffic rules.

PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said applicants must demonstrate discipline and respect for the law even before entering the police service.

“As a law enforcement agency, the Philippine National Police will protect itself from applicants with highly questionable background and character,” Nartatez said in a statement.

“There is no room for future policemen who cannot even observe and respect the simplest rules and regulations,” he said. 

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) earlier warned criminology interns who violate traffic regulations that their applications for police service would not be processed and they would not be allowed to take entrance examinations.

The warning followed reports of interns riding motorcycles without helmets and using unauthorized license plates.

Nartatez said that while the PNP already has mechanisms to screen applicants, information from netizens and other sources could help authorities verify their backgrounds.

He stressed that character and integrity are essential qualifications for anyone seeking to join the police force, saying these are necessary to uphold professionalism and ensure the public receives the service it deserves.

“Discipline and respect for the law must begin even before an aspiring police officer enters the service. We cannot allow those who disregard the law to wear the uniform and enforce it against others,” Nartatez said.

The PNP chief also urged colleges and universities offering criminology courses to ensure their students are not only physically and mentally prepared but also morally fit for a career in law enforcement.