Adhere to visual search in conduct of checkpoints
PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas reminded policemen to always adhere to what is lawful in the conduct of checkpoints.
Foremost of which is that they should only conduct visual search among motorists.
“They should follow the plain view doctrine,” Cuevas said explaining that meaning their checks should be done using plain sight.
He added that motorists are also not required to open their vehicles at checkpoints and PNP personnel should only limit their inspection to visual search, unless they are armed with a search warrant.
“We should always abide by the rules on the conduct sang COMELEC. Human rights should be upheld,” he added.
The region’s top cop said that a police personnel could request the motorists, though, to open the car’s trunk or compartment or their own bags.
“It is still a request and the person could refuse to such,” Cuevas said.
On public utility vehicles, Cuevas said that policemen could check the vehicle but there is no need for them to let the passengers alight.
“There’s no need to do that no unless there is a concrete reason for police officers to request the passengers to go down like in cases where there is reported bomb. Still, the public’s safety should be our prime concern,” he added.
Meanwhile, Cuevas said that he already instructed provincial and city police directors to personally supervise the conduct of checkpoints in the area.
As a general rule, the checkpoint should be manned by an officer and all policemen at the checkpoint should wear the proper police uniform.
“But in some cases, a senior non-commissioned officer could led the checkpoint,” he added.
Further, there should also be a visible marked police patrol car in the checkpoint.
There should be a signage that it is COMELEC/PNP checkpoint
It should also be placed in a well-lit portion of the road.
Ideally, Cuevas said, a representative from the COMELEC should also be present.
“But there are towns where a COMELEC office is manned by a single personnel alone. Now, if the COMELEC checkpoints is conducted by PNP, it is enough that a there is a go-signal or under the direct supervision or control of a COMELEC officer. He could not be there 24 hours a day,” he added.
Coordination between the PNP and local COMELEC is also advised.
