AN EVALUATION OF SURVEILLANCE TECHNIQUES OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE: ITS RELATION TO CRIME CLEARANCE IN INTELLIGENCE OPERATION

This study focused on the evaluation of surveillance techniques of the Philippine National Police and its relation to crime clearance based on the direct knowledge and experience of the intelligence operatives in one of the provinces in MIMAROPA. Using descriptive survey research, complete enumeration was used in selecting the respondents for the study. Results revealed that surveillance techniques are very relevant to police operations pertaining to illegal drug and gambling activities, as well as in the apprehension of wanted persons. These led to charges filed in the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor based on the evidence obtained through surveillance operation. Employing Barangay Information Networks as informants and other force multipliers is also a very useful surveillance technique as well as technical or electronic technique in different police operations. Moving surveillance through covert video cameras is very useful in determining and maintaining continuous observation of activities of the subject offenders. Meanwhile, wanted persons hiding in other provinces is a very serious problem due to difficulty in tracking and locating them. The problems also generally have adverse effects such as physical fatigue and mental stress. It was found out that there is a significant direct relationship between the relevance of surveillance techniques and the effectiveness or usefulness of surveillance techniques utilized by intelligence operatives in attaining crime clearance with respect to illegal drugs, illegal gambling, and wanted persons. Regular seminars and intensified trainings on intelligence operations particularly in the utilization of advanced technology should be considered to enhance the surveillance operation capability of intelligence operatives in MIMAROPA. Regional office logistics units should also procure advanced electronic surveillance gadgets. Evaluation should be made to verify the exact location of wanted persons who hide in other provinces. Intervention programs for psychological and stress management must also be conducted right after a prolonged period of surveillance operation.