PROTOCOLS FOR USING NON-LETHAL WEAPONS

PROTOCOLS FOR USING NON-LETHAL WEAPONS My dear countrymen, believe it or not, our country has protocols in place for the use of non-lethal weapons by our police forces. Here is what Microsoft Copilot has to say about it: START QOUTE: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has protocols in place for the use of non-lethal weapons to ensure public safety while respecting human rights. According to the PNP Guidebook on Human-rights Based Policing, the police are encouraged to adopt measures that promote the use of non-lethal weapons. These measures are designed to ensure that the use of force is proportionate to the threat presented and that the fundamental rights of individuals are protected. The PNP Operational Procedures Manual also outlines guidelines for the use of non-lethal weapons, including the requirement for approval for operations and coordination with other units. The goal is to provide a safer environment for both law enforcement officers and the public. END QOUTE Also, according to Copilot, the PNP “is already using non-lethal weapons as part of their efforts to ensure public safety while respecting human rights. The PNP has procured various non-lethal weapons, including pepper sprays, tasers, and batons. These weapons provide officers with alternative options to neutralize threats without resorting to firearms”. That being the case, since the protocols are already in place, and since the necessary equipment have already been procured, I think that what remains lacking are the training programs and the monitoring systems. Presumably, according to the rules of engagement of the PNP, policemen may fire their weapons at a suspect if he or she draws a weapon, or if he or she fires a weapon. I am however sure that the rules do not require the policemen to kill the patient when not necessary. What I mean to say is that the policemen may choose to take a non-fatal shot at the suspect, to only disable him or her, but not to kill him or her. Since it would be very difficult make judgement calls in very dangerous situations, it would be practical to use non-lethal weapons instead, if these are readily available. Much as the PNP is mandated to protect the human rights of suspects, let us not forget that the PNP is also mandated to protect the legal rights of all police officers as they perform their duties. Aside from the Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) that could file cases against police officers who are suspected of human rights violations, they could also be charged by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). By encouraging the use of non-lethal weapons, our policemen will be less vulnerable to false charges of human rights violations. Still according to Copilot, the PNP “has plans to procure taser guns as part of their efforts to handle violent situations with non-lethal means. This initiative is part of their broader strategy to equip officers with alternatives to firearms, ensuring public safety while respecting human rights”. That is good to know, because taser guns could be fired even from 30 meters, using projectile prongs. What that means is that they could even be used by snipers in hostage situations. One advantage of non-lethal weapons is that if the suspects could be caught alive, they could still be questioned for more information, and perhaps, they could even become witnesses. Your friend, IKE SENERES/12-20-24/visit my blog senseneres.blogspot.com