"Surprised" as a method of Prevention. (OPLAN SITA)

     Many policing strategies assess the problem of crime prevention. This makes an effort for the organization to create programs that will help reduce the crime rate nationwide. Other concerned agencies support applying these strategies with the community's cooperation. In Quezon City Police District, the city police have credited the effectiveness of "Oplan Sita" or "surprised checkpoint" for the decline in the crime rate. This project is spearheaded by PBGEN NICOLAS DELOSO TORRE III, District Director, Quezon City Police District, under the supervision of PMGEN JONNEL C ESTOMO, Regional Director NCRPO. It is a proactive strategy for preventing crime that foresees it by upholding local ordinances, including those against mendicancy, public smoking, vandalism, and littering. A"surprise" PNP checkpoint refers to a checkpoint that is set up suddenly and unexpectedly by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to deter and prevent criminal activities and ensure public safety.

     On January 23, 2022, I had the opportunity to witness the conduct of OPLAN SITA together with my classmate, P/Cdt. Escasa, and the PNP personnel of Police Station 6 in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, led by PCPT.Mabutas. According to PCPT.Mabutas, the crime rate in the city declined because of this Oplan Sita. Such checkpoints are usually established at strategic locations. They are designed to monitor the movement of vehicles and people and to check for any illegal activities, such as illegal possession of firearms, prohibited drugs, and other prohibited items. A "surprise" PNP checkpoint aims to promote road safety, reduce crime, and enhance public security by maintaining a visible police presence in the community.

  These checkpoints are also used to verify the identity of drivers and passengers, ensure that vehicles are properly registered and meet safety standards, and enforce traffic laws and regulations. It's important to note that"surprise" checkpoints are a common practice for law enforcement agencies, including the PNP, to deter criminal activities and maintain public safety. However, they may also cause inconvenience to some individuals and may require them to stop and interact with police officers at the checkpoint briefly.

REFERENCES:

1.) https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089614146120