Purpose and Rationale for Training Badge Guidelines
- Training badges denote specialized knowledge, skills, and expertise in police functions.
- They are symbolic and worn with pride but have been subject to unsystematic issuance.
- Some badges worn no longer correspond to actual skills, risking their value as mere decor.
- RA 8491 mandates registration of badges with the National Historical Institute (NHI).
- PNP badges were unregistered, necessitating policy development for proper use and registration.
Purpose of the Memorandum Circular
- Establishes policy governing authorized wearing of training badges by qualified PNP personnel.
Definitions Critical to the Policy
- Academic Profession: Profession requiring baccalaureate or higher education and licensure.
- Academic Profession Badge: Symbolizes holder’s academic profession.
- Authority to Wear: Official PNP document authorizing badge use.
- Competency Course/Training: 80+ hour training improving skills relevant to police functions.
- Competency Training Badge: Badge for successful completion of competency training.
- Mandatory Career Course/Training: Training required for rank promotion.
- Mandatory Training Badge: Earned after completing PPSC mandatory courses.
- Training Badge: Emblem worn as proof of authority or achievement following course completion.
Classification and Categories of Training Badges
- Categories: Mandatory Training Badge, Competency Training Badge, Academic Profession Badge.
- Examples of courses for each category:
- Mandatory Training: PPSC courses (PSOSEC, PSOBC, etc.)
- Competency Training: PNP internal/partner courses like SWAT, Investigation, Finance, etc.
- Academic Profession: Lawyer, Engineer, Doctor, Nurse, Priest, etc. with UESB approval.
Guidelines for Wearing Training Badges
- Only personnel who completed the respective training authorized to wear related badges.
- Training must be at least 80 hours to qualify for competency badges.
- Authority to wear badges is issued by training unit upon course completion, documented in graduate declarations.
- External agency training recognized if officially ordered and documented.
- Mandatory course graduates wear PPSC-issued badges.
- Academic profession badges worn if required education and licensure are met.
- Design and specifications of badges subject to evaluation and approval by DRD and UESB.
- Proper display governed by DRD-issued policies.
- Approved badges registered with NHI or IPOPHIL for legal protection.
Rescission and Effectivity
- All prior conflicting policies are rescinded or amended.
- Circular effective immediately upon approval.