Professional Documents
Culture Documents
LEA 314 Notes
LEA 314 Notes
Operational Procedures
Pre-Operational Clearance
Inter-Unit Coordination
1. Personal Coordination or by Official Representative
Team Leader/s (TL) of local police units operating outside their territorial
jurisdiction and National Support Units NSUs) shall coordinate, personally or
through an official representative, with the Police Regional, Provincial or City
Police Office within whose jurisdiction the operation is to be conducted.
1. Coordination by Filing Coordination Form
Prior to the launching of the operation, except in cases where the formal (in
writing) inter-unit coordination cannot be made due to the nature and/or urgency
of the situation such as, but not limited to, cross-jurisdictional pursuit operations,
coordination should be made formally using the prescribed Coordination Form,
which shall be filed with the concerned operation center of the Police Regional,
Provincial or City Office (Annex "A"-Coordination Form).
1. Basic Requirements
Police operations like arrest, search and seizure, checkpoint, roadblocks, demolition
and civil disturbance management shall be conducted as follows:
A. With a marked police vehicle;
B. Led by a Police Commissioned Officer (PCO); and
C. With personnel in prescribed police uniform or attire.
Patrol Procedures
Patrol Guidelines
4. Patrol members must be always on the look-out for indications of vices and other
illegal activities on their beat;
7. Keep under close observation actions of juveniles, trouble makers/agitators and the
mentally ill/retarded persons;
14. Develop contacts by getting to know as many people as possible who can give
factual information about crime conditions on the patrol beat;
15. Use tact and persuasiveness when conducting spot inquiry or questioning
individuals for information;
16. When requiring identification from a suspicious person or any individual, avoid
taking the wallet or bag in which the cards/documents are placed. Let the individual
remove and hand them to you;
18. Patrol members should avoid loitering in theaters, restaurants and other recreational
places.
5. Remind the patrol team about the strict observance of the PNP Operational
Procedures;
8. Render after-patrol report duly signed by detailed personnel. PCP Commanders shall
collate and submit significant details to the Station Patrol Supervisor, who in turn, will
submit the same to the Provincial/District Patrol Supervisor; and
9. Conduct debriefing after the patrol to assess its conduct and make necessary
corrective measures on defects noted.
6. Report occurrences and conditions which relate to crime, public peace, order and
safety;
7. Prevent crimes and arrest sighted law violators, assuring the public that peace is
preserved;
11. Respond to calls, entertain complaints, initiate the investigation and protection of the
scene and minimize the after-effects of accidents, fires and other catastrophes;
12. Patrol Officers shall wear the prescribed patrol uniform; and
13. Patrol Officers must have the equipment necessary in the performance of their duty.
2. The manner of approach will be dependent on the nature of the call, either with
haste/secrecy or with/without flashing lights and sirens.
3. Consider the pertinent factors like the time, traffic conditions, the possibility of greater
damage and the neighborhood characteristics.
4. Stop the patrol car some distance from the scene. Approach the scene on foot, in
complete silence and exercising extreme caution.
5. Immediately attend to the injured, unless the other members of the patrol are in
immediate danger.
6. Focus all efforts to arrest criminals; however, priority shall be given to aiding the
injured.
7. Determine the crime committed, identify and question briefly the victim/complainant
and possible witnesses at the scene.
8. If the suspects or criminals have fled the scene before the arrival of the patrol team,
immediately relay the composition, armament, appearance, and mode and direction of
escape of the suspects to the Operations Center for the conduct of dragnet operations.
9. When responding to street fights/brawls, the patrol member should call for back-up
before intervening. If there are injuries and insufficient corroborative statements
obtained to identify who started the fight, disperse the crowd and make complete notes.
10. Never treat calls or complaints of loud noises caused by barking dogs, drunks,
appliances and parties as negligible a nuisance. They only need courteous and tactful
intervention and not enforcement actions.
11. When responding to calls for police assistance due to planted or found explosives,
never attempt to handle, move or lift the object. Instead contact Operations Center and
request for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (EODT). On-lookers must be promptly
led to a safe distance away from the scene.
12. When responding to calls from owners of beer houses, bars or inns or any other
similar establishments during night time, request the owner to put the lights on first
before entering the establishments.
1. Spot Check/Accosting. The police officer may stop an individual for the purpose of
conducting a spot check/accosting only when reasonable suspicion exists. Reasonable
suspicion must be more than just a hunch or feeling. In justifying the stop, the police
officer must be able to point to specific facts that, when taken together with rational
inferences, reasonably warrant the stop. Such facts include, but are not limited to, the
following:
a. The appearance or demeanor of the individual suggests that he is part of a ciminal
enterprise or is engaged in a criminal act;
b. The actions of the individual suggest that he is engaged in a criminal activity;
c. Questionable presence of the individual in the area;
d. The subject is carrying a suspicious object;
e. The suspect's clothing bulges in a manner that suggests he is carrying a weapon;
f. The suspect has been found in the time and place proximate to an alleged crime;
g. The police officer has knowledge of the suspect's prior criminal record or involvement
in criminal activity; and
h. The individual flees at the sight of a police officer.
2. Body Frisk/Pat-Down Search. A police officer has the right to perform a pat-down
search if the individual has been legitimately stopped with reasonable suspicion and
when the police officer has reason to believe that the individual possesses weapon/s on
his person and poses a threat to the police officer's or another person's safety.
Circumstances which may justify pat-down search:
a. The type of crime believed to be committed by the subject, particularly crimes of
violence where the threat of use or use of deadly weapon is involved;
b. Where the police officer handles several suspects;
c. The time of the day and the location where the patdown search took place;
d. Prior knowledge by the police officer of the suspect's use of force and/or propensity to
carry deadly weapons;
e. The appearance and demeanor of the suspect;
f. Visual indications suggesting that the suspect is carrying a firearm or other deadly
weapon; and
g. Whenever possible, pat-down searches should be performed by police officers of the
same gender.
If after conducting a spot check/accosting or pat-down search, the police officer has no
basis for making an arrest, he should record the facts of such spot check/accosting or
pat-down search and forward a report to the appropriate authority. If the spot
check/accosting or pat-down search gives a justification for a valid Warrantless arrest,
then an arrest shall be made.
Checkpoints
Authority to Establish Checkpoints
Composition
In the conduct of checkpoint, the checkpoint team shall be
Composed of, but not limited to, the following:
1. Team Leader (TL) - shall lead and take responsibility in the conduct of checkpoint
preferably an officer with the rank of at least Police Lieutenant;
2. Spotter - PNP personnel who will point/profile suspected vehicle subject for
checkpoint;
2. Checkpoints are established to enforce circulation control measure, laws, orders and
regulations, and when there is a need to arrest a criminal or fugitive from justice.
3. The composition of the personnel manning the checkpoint shall be left to the sound
discretion of the Team Leader (TL), with the consideration of female PNP officer in the
team especially when there is an anticipated female suspect.
6. The Team should encourage the participation of, but not limited to, the Local
Government Units (LGUS), Civil Society Groups, Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGOS), business organizations, other civic groups, media and other stakeholders
during the conduct of Police Checkpoint operations.
7. The participation of the civilians and the presence of the media in the conduct of
checkpoint must be confined only as observers to give police additional eyes and
promote transparency of activities in the area.
8. All civic groups or organizations to include the media, who are inclined to participate
in police checkpoints, must be duly registered and accredited by the PNP for such
purpose. The accreditation of the civilian groups to join in the conduct of checkpoint
shall be administered by the Police Regional and Provincial Offices.
12. Due courtesy must be accorded to the motorists, traders and the commuters during
the conduct of checkpoint.
13. The spokesperson must greet the people subject for inspection, extend apology for
the inconvenience, appeal for understanding and state the reasons of the operation.
Upon completion, thank the person/s searched.
14. Except in the actual commission of crime during checkpoints or in a hot pursuit
operation, the conduct of inspection of vehicle during a routine checkpoint is limited to a
visual search and therefore must be done with due respect to innocent passers-by,
commuters, or bystanders and be conducted in a manner that is of least inconvenience
to the public. Searches, seizures, and arrests made during checkpoints shall be within
the ambit of the law.
15. Violations/Infractions of the law discovered during the checkpoint operation shall be
expeditiously disposed of following Iegal procedures. Arrested persons must be
apprised of their rights with respect to the Miranda Doctrine.
16. The security of the PNP personnel, and most especially that of the civilians
participating in the checkpoint operation, must be given due consideration in the
planning of the operation.
17. Only the security sub-team and blocking/pursuing sub team members are allowed to
display high-powered firearms should be positioned where they can best provide
security to the Checkpoint team, including themselves.
18. Checkpoint personnel must not limit their task to law enforcement and crime
deterrence. They should also be ready to provide police assistance in the vicinity e.g.,
giving directions to inquiring motorists or passers-by.
19. The PNP operating units must provide their own logistical and financial
requirements to avoid soliciting support from the civilians for their personal or
operational needs.
20. Police personnel assigned in the checkpoint shall not mulct, extort, or harass
drivers, passengers, and traders. Designated TL assigned at the checkpoint shall be
responsible for the actuations and behavior of his personnel and shall be accountable
under the doctrine of Command Responsibility.
21. Voluntary offers of cash or in kind from the traders/motorists passing the checkpoint
should be absolutely refused because the offer might be misconstrued as a bribe.
22. The police and the civilian component must separately submit their After Checkpoint
Operation Report to their respective units or organization for proper evaluation of the
efficacy of the operation.
2. The TL shall brief the PNP personnel, as well as the civilian components present,
including the media regarding the proper conduct of the checkpoint and their assigned
tasks prior to their deployment;
3. The TL shall initially account for the PNP personnel and check if they are in the
prescribed uniform. PNP personnel conducting the checkpoint shall display their
nameplates at all times. If wearing a jacket, the flap of the jacket bearing their names
should also be displayed. Likewise, the equipment will include, but not limited to, the
following:
a. Marked Patrol vehicles;
b. Firearms with basic load of ammunition;
c. Handheld and vehicle base radios;
d. Flashlights;
e. Megaphone;
f. Video camera; and
g. Signage: Warning signs: (e.g., Slowdown Checkpoint
Ahead, Checkpoint 20 Meters Ahead, etc); and
Information signs: (Name of the Unit and TL).
4. The Spotter of the team will be pre-positioned in a place where he can best
point/profile suspected vehicles prior to their approach to the checkpoint;
5. Search/Arresting Sub-Team shall flag down suspected vehicles and conduct search,
seizure and arrest, if necessary;
6. In the event of seized drugs, the team having initial custody and control of the drugs
shall immediately conduct physical inventory and photograph the same in the presence
of the accused or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated and/or seized,
or his/her representative or counsel, a representative from the media and DOJ, any
elected public official who shall be required to sign the copy of the inventory and be
given a copy thereof;
7. Arrested persons and seized items shall be turned over to the investigation sub-team
for documentation and proper disposition;
8. In the event that the checkpoint is ignored, and the occupants of the vehicle open fire
on the personnel manning the checkpoint, reasonable force to overcome the suspects
aggression may be employed;
10. The TL shall conduct debriefing of personnel after termination of the checkpoint;
and
2. In the case of PNP personnel conducting Internal Security Operation (ISO) or foot
patrol, where a vehicle and collapsible signage is not readily available, the checkpoint
shall be manned initially by said personnel;
3. The team shall immediately inform Higher Headquarters of the exact location of the
hasty Checkpoint to include personnel involved and available equipment;
5. The Unit Commander of the personnel manning the hasty checkpoint shall
immediately send additional personnel, equipment and signage to the area in order to
convert the Hasty Checkpoint into a Regular Checkpoint; and
2. Warning shots shall not be allowed due to the confusion it may create for the driver
and passengers of the vehicle. Megaphones or police sirens shall be used instead
during the pursuit. The plate number of the vehicle shall be noted and given to other
units in adjacent areas to prevent the possibility that the vehicle may elude the pursuit
operation; and
3. In the event that the occupants of the vehicle open fire on the personnel manning the
checkpoint, reasonable force to overcome the suspects' aggression may be employed.
1. Call Headquarters to provide information on the make or type and plate number of
the motor vehicle to be accosted and, if possible, identity of occupants;
2. State the reason(s) for the planned intervention of the suspected motor vehicle;
3. Give the mobile car's location and its direction before making actual intervention;
4. Try to get alongside the suspects' vehicle and check the occupants without alarming
them of your purpose. You can even overtake the vehicle and wait for it at an
advantageous location before stopping the suspects' vehicle;
5. Determine whether the suspects are hostile or not;
6. Make known to the suspect that you are after them through the use of a siren or
megaphone;
7. Instruct the diver to pull over or stop on the side of the road;
8. Park behind the suspect's vehicle at an appropriate distance and cautiously approach
the vehicle on the driver's side;
9. If the vehicle's windows are heavily tinted and the occupants cannot be seen, instruct
the driver to open all windows to have a clear view of the interior of the vehicle;
10. Instruct the driver to turn off the ignition, if this was not done when the vehicle
stopped; in case of motorcycle instruct the driver to remove the key and disembark;
11. The other members of the team must be on guard for any eventuality while the
vehicle is being approached;
12. Talk to the driver in a most courteous manner and inform him of the nature of his
violation. Demand to see the driver's license, photocopies of the certificate of
registration and the official receipt. Examine these documents and counter-check the
driver on the information reflected therein;
13. If it concerns traffic violations, immediately issue a Traffic Citation Ticket (TCT) or
Traffic Violation Report (TVR). Never indulge in prolonged, unnecessary conversation or
argument with the driver or any of the vehicle's occupants;
14. In case of other violations that require the impounding of the vehicle, inform the
driver regarding this situation and instruct him to follow you, after issuing the TCT/TVR;
and
15. Before moving out, inform Headquarters regarding the situation/status and
disposition of the person and motor vehicle accosted.
The following are the procedures to be followed in dealing with hostile drivers:
1. Stopping Vehicles
a. Follow the procedure stated in numbers 1-3 in the earlier paragraph;
b. Immediately request for back-up;
c. Follow the suspect and always keep him within visual range;
d. Expect that the suspect will notice your action at any time. Be prepared for hot
pursuit or actual hostile confrontation;
e. If the back-up is already in the vicinity, inform Headquarters that you are
proceeding to accost the suspect;
f. Inform the suspects that you are after them through the use of siren or
megaphone and instruct the driver to pull over or stop on the side of the street;
g. Park at an appropriate distance behind the suspect's vehicle;
h. While the vehicle is being approached, the other members of the crew and back-
up must be on guard for any eventuality. Overreactions or aggression on the part
of the police should be avoided;
i. If the vehicle's windows are heavily tinted and the occupants cannot be seen,
instruct the driver to open all windows for a clear view of the vehicle's interior;
j. Direct the driver and other occupants of the vehicle not to make unnecessary
movements and to show their hands outside the car;
k. Instruct the driver to turn off the ignition and toss the key to the ground. Demand
to see the Driver's License and photocopies of the vehicle's certificate of
registration and the official receipt. Examine the documents and counter-check
the driver on the information reflected therein; and
l. If there are other suspects aside from the driver, separate them from one
another.
2. Fleeing Vehicles
a. In the event that the motor vehicle did not stop despite the warning given, inform
Headquarters or adjacent units so that dragnet operations or police defensive
roadblocks can be set-up;
b. Inform Headquarters of the make or type, plate number and color of the motor
vehicle to be accosted including the number of occupants and, if possible, their
identity;
c. State the reason(S) for flagging down the suspected motor vehicle;
d. Give mobile car's location and its direction before making actual intervention;
e. When the vehicle of the suspect is cornered or stopped, instruct the driver and
other occupants in a clear and commanding voice to follow specifically what you
will require of them. Failure on their part to follow will be construed as a hostile
act on their part. Execute instructions on the use of reasonable force;
f. Instruct the driver to turn off the ignition and toss the key to the ground, open the
door and step out of the vehicle, then instruct him to place his hands on top of
the vehicle, or to move towards you with his hands up;
g. Instruct other occupants of the vehicle, if any, to come out one by one, and follow
what the driver has been instructed to do earlier;
h. Arrest, handcuff and search the suspects and bring them to Headquarters for
proper disposition; and
i. Before moving out, inform Headquarters about the situation, status and
disposition of the suspects and motor vehicle accosted.