A peaceful police force would enhance community relations, engender trust, and promote a safer society. Peace could not be achieved through brute force alone, but rather by cultivating understanding, compassion, and respect within individuals.
Around 15 years ago, an intriguing incident occurred when someone approached me with a request to conduct a Kamalayan seminar for a branch of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Kamalayan, which translates to "consciousness" in English, was a program I had developed to promote self-reflection, empathy, and personal growth. The individual expressed interest in my seminar modules, but to my surprise, he abruptly turned down the idea of organizing the seminar after realizing that the policemen would potentially become more peaceful as a result.
I couldn't help but question the reason behind his sudden change of heart. When I inquired, he hesitantly confessed that the idea of having a peaceful police force seemed problematic to him. He believed that maintaining peace in society required a certain level of aggression and force, which he felt would be compromised if the police officers became more peaceful through the Kamalayan seminar.
This revelation left me perplexed, as I firmly believed that peace begins with every individual, including those entrusted with upholding law and order.
My response was simple: "What's wrong with having peaceful policemen?"
I argued that a peaceful police force would enhance community relations, engender trust, and promote a safer society. It was my firm belief that peace could not be achieved through brute force alone, but rather by cultivating understanding, compassion, and respect within individuals. By developing these qualities, police officers would be better equipped to handle challenging situations with a focus on de-escalation, empathy, and dialogue.
Unfortunately, the incident I encountered years ago aligns with the recent admission by Senator de la Rosa that PNP reforms have failed. This acknowledgment is disheartening but not surprising.
Transformation and reform within any institution begin with a willingness to embrace change, challenge existing norms, and invest in personal and professional development. However, if the underlying mindset perpetuates a belief that aggression and force are the primary tools for maintaining peace, true reform becomes elusive.
To effect meaningful change within the PNP, it is imperative to shift the narrative surrounding law enforcement. The focus should be directed towards training programs that prioritize emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and community engagement.
By fostering an environment that encourages self-reflection, empathy, and personal growth, police officers can develop the necessary skills to approach their duties with a balanced and compassionate mindset.
Furthermore, structural changes are essential. Enhancing accountability mechanisms, reinforcing ethical standards, and promoting transparency within the organization can help address the deep-rooted issues that hinder reform efforts.
Initiatives such as community policing, where officers actively engage with the communities they serve, can also contribute to rebuilding trust and fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
In conclusion, the incident from 15 years ago serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in transforming the Philippine National Police.
While my Kamalayan seminar was rejected due to the fear that peaceful policemen would compromise the maintenance of peace, it is evident that true peace starts from within every individual, including law enforcement officers.
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