Policy Purpose and Scope
- Establishes a systematic process for field testing police uniforms and equipment.
- Applies to all police uniforms and equipment intended for use by PNP personnel.
Objectives of the Policy
- Create clear field testing procedures to prevent supplier abuse.
- Ensure all police uniforms comply with standards set by approved NAPOLCOM resolutions.
- Assess the durability, usability, and comfort of police uniforms and equipment.
Core Policies on Field Testing
- All police uniforms and equipment must undergo thorough field testing.
- Test items are issued to designated PNP end-users for usage over a prescribed evaluation period.
- PNP personnel are prohibited from purchasing items still under field testing.
- Failures in field testing require return of the items to proponents to stop further use.
- Only items passing the field test and approved by the Uniform and Equipment Standardization Board (UESB) can be used by PNP personnel.
Procedures for Field Testing
- Proponents submit prototype uniforms/equipment after compliance with approved specifications and initial testing by authorized institutions.
- A written agreement between DRD and proponents covers:
- Proponents cover production costs for field testing.
- Suspension of production and sales during field testing.
- Mass production only after approval of standard specifications.
- DRD identifies target end-users and distributes tagged "FOR FIELD TEST" prototypes with survey questionnaires.
- Surveys assess feedback on item performance.
- Clothing Criminalistics and Equipment Division manages timeline and survey instruments.
- Responses are validated by DRD and form the basis for pass/fail decisions.
- Re-evaluation required for any design changes post-field testing to ensure standards are maintained.
- Findings and recommendations submitted to UESB Secretariat through DRD for final approval by the Chief, PNP.
Roles and Responsibilities
Directorate for Research and Development (DRD):
- Prepare and issue survey questionnaires.
- Distribute prototypes for field testing.
- Monitor and consolidate feedback.
- Assess and recommend design improvements.
Chiefs of Offices/Units:
- Coordinate with DRD and designate users for testing.
- Supervise field testing and ensure completion of surveys.
- Ensure regular use and proper documentation of test items.
- Participate in survey completion based on observations.
- Report results promptly after testing period.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Violations lead to administrative sanctions.
- Possible criminal charges may be filed against negligent personnel or individuals.
Repealing Clause
- This Memorandum Circular supersedes all previous conflicting memoranda, directives, or issuances.
Effectivity
- Takes effect fifteen (15) days after filing copies with the University of the Philippines Law Center.
- Complies with EO No. 292 (The Administrative Code of 1987), Sections 3 and 4, Chapter 2, Book VII.