Title
Reorganization of Manila Police Department
Law
Act No. 286
Decision Date
Oct 31, 1901
A law reorganizing the Police Department of Manila, outlining the positions, responsibilities, and salaries of officers and men, including the creation of a Secret Service Force and river and harbor police.
A

Establishment of the Secret Service Force

  • A Secret Service unit is instituted as part of the police.
  • Includes a Chief of Secret Service, multiple detectives, a messenger, and a clerk with assigned salary scales.

Creation of the River and Harbor Force

  • The force is responsible for policing waterways.
  • Composed of ranks including captain, sergeants, patrolmen, sailing master, engineers, firemen, deck hands, and boatmen.
  • Salaries for these officers are specified from $150 to $2,000 per annum.

Duties of the Chief of Police and Assistant Chief

  • The Chief of Police's duties are guided by the Manila Charter, particularly section 35.
  • The Assistant Chief acts as Chief during absence or incapacity and oversees discipline.
  • Conflicting provisions in the Manila Charter section 36 are repealed.

Responsibilities of the Chief of Secret Service

  • Charged with detective work under the Chief of Police's authority.
  • Performs duties assigned by the Chief or prescribed by law or ordinance.

Roles of Captains, Lieutenants, and Sergeants

  • They command roundsmen, ensure efficient policing of beats, and maintain discipline.
  • Perform tasks assigned by the Chief or relevant laws.

Duties of Roundsmen and Patrolmen

  • Execute policing duties within Manila's jurisdiction.
  • Act under the directives of superior officers and applicable ordinances.

Functions of the River and Harbor Police

  • Enforce laws and orders related to Pasig River and Manila Bay.
  • Arrest violators and perform duties assigned by authorities.

Classification and Language Requirements for Sergeants, Roundsmen, and Patrolmen

  • Divided into three classes based on English language proficiency:
    • First Class: Thorough English knowledge and understanding of police duties.
    • Second Class: Sufficient English for ordinary business transactions.
    • Third Class: Speak/read/write Spanish but not English.
  • Second-class personnel earn 25% more than third-class counterparts.
  • Promotion possible from third to second class upon acquiring English proficiency and competence.

Duties of Medical and Support Personnel

  • Surgeon and Assistant Surgeon provide medical care to police personnel.
  • Clerks, storekeepers, interpreters, and messengers perform administrative tasks.
  • River and harbor personnel operate police boats and perform related duties.

Uniform Policy

  • Each police officer or member must pay for their own uniform.
  • Uniforms are supplied by the Police Department.

Appropriations and Funding

  • Existing appropriations for police maintenance are allocated to support the reorganized department.

Expedited Enactment

  • The Act's passage is expedited due to public necessity under commission procedural rules.

Effectivity

  • The Act takes effect immediately upon passage on October 31, 1901.

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