The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recruited 150 female police officers to boost its community relations programs across the country.
PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. said the newly-recruited female cops will undergo six months mandatory training for Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) and another six months of Public Safety Field Training Program (PSFTP).
"After the training, they will be assigned to all regional offices of the Police Community Affairs and Development Units (RPCADUs) across the country to strengthen Police Community Relations (PCR) operation," said Azurin.
Police Col. Patrick Joseph Allan, director of the Police Community Affairs and Development Group (PCADG), explained that the recruitment of female cops was prioritized as they were proven to be effective community organizers and communicators.
"This is historic placement of the all-female recruits in a National Support Unit (NSU) and proof of putting a high premium to their qualities as women and valuing their relevance as effective community organizers and communicators," said Allan.
He said the recruitment of 150 female cops focused more on scholastic background and skills, such as graduates of Bachelor’s degree in the field of Communication, Language and Linguistics, and Information Communications Technology; and other desired additional qualifications, to include: writing, broadcasting, and multimedia experts/practitioners and other related skills.
"With the addition of the 150 patrolwomen will secure the community against the forces that disrupt public safety and security, such as crime, terrorism and insurgency, and other forms of hostility," said Allan.