Checkpoint is one of the activities of every police station. It is often used by law enforcement as a means of maintaining public safety, and the conduct of checkpoints is typically guided by specific procedures to ensure that they are conducted lawfully and without violating individual rights. It is one of the daily activities of the PNP to check those motorists utilizing the roads are permitted to do so under the provisions and guidelines of the Land Transportation Office.
PNP Checkpoint is done in a well-lighted area, manned by personnel in proper uniform, and is headed by a Police Commissioned Officer or the most senior Police non-commissioned Officer in the unavailability of a PCO. There should also be signage bearing the name of the police station implementing the checkpoint and the name of their COP. There should also be a PNP-marked vehicle present during the conduct of the checkpoint.
During our Cadet Attachment Program, we acted as observers as the personnel of Dapitan City Police Station conducted checkpoints in their areas of responsibility. Since there is only three commissioned officer assigned at their station, the conduct of checkpoint is usually headed by Police Executive Master Sergeant as their team leader. Checking of Driver's License and appropriate papers of their motor vehicles is checked and they issue traffic citation tickets to violators.
It may look like an easy job but it doesn't go that way. Other motorists who utilize the road don't have the appropriate papers like expired registration of their motor vehicle because they prefer to use their money to buy food for their family. Others do not have their driver's licenses because they cannot afford the expenses. Others are a student who needs to go to school but does not have their driver's license yet since they are not yet of legal age to qualify in the application for a driver's license. It is not easy in the sense that we are also human beings with a heart. It is hard to decide if we should let them pass because they are poor or because we feel pity for them.
It is hard because if we issue citation tickets to them, it will cost another unexpected expense for them. It is hard but we have to do it. Our police officers have to enforce the laws fairly to everyone even if sometimes it may break your heart look at their eyes asking for favors. You will never know the feeling unless you are in the situation.
Overall, the conduct of checkpoints should be professional, respectful, and lawful, while still achieving the goal of maintaining public safety.
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