FEB.

6, 2012 DATE

NR # 2671B
REF. NO.

National crime database proposed

A lawmaker has filed a bill mandating the establishment of a national crime database to upgrade, modernize and facilitate the resolution of criminal cases nationwide. Rep. Marcelino Teodoro (1st District, Marikina) authored House Bill 5709, which would require the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to give information and records for the National Identification Index and the National Fingerprint File in order to provide criminal history records in a timely fashion. Teodoro said the bill, to be known as the National Crime Database Act of 2012, would create a complete and accurate nationwide criminal record database crucial to fighting crime. The system will facilitate the resolution of cases being investigated by law enforcement authorities if they have immediate access to updated criminal records, Teodoro said. These modern criminal files will assist authorized agencies in criminal justice and related law enforcement objectives, such as apprehending fugitives, locating missing persons, locating and returning stolen property, as well as in the protection of the law enforcement officers encountering the individuals describe in the system, Teodoro added. Citing national statistics, Teodoro said there is an escalation of crimes with lawless elements and syndicates habitually committing crimes to the detriment of peace and order and the public welfare. Teodoro said individuals and families have been victimized and sometimes brutalized in heinous crimes, with criminals usually committing them with impunity. To make matters worst, some law enforcement people who are supposed to be the protector of the citizens take advantage of their positions in pursuit of lawless undertakings, Teodoro said. Teodoro said the bill will create criminal history records repositories, and for non-criminal justice purposes, update existing criminal records system that is currently outdated and contains incomplete or incorrect information; and to make an accessible detailed database of criminal history records, including arrest and dispositions. The bill mandates the proposed National Crime Database Council to promulgate rules and regulations governing the use of the Interregional Identification Index System (III System) for Criminal Justice and non-criminal justice purposes. Under the bill, the council, which shall consist of eight (8) members, shall be located, for administrative purposes, within the NBI main office. The members would include the NBI Director, the Secretary of Justice, the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, the Court Administrator, Chief of the Philippine National Police Computer Center; and a Representative of a non-government organization involved in crime prevention and eradication. The Chairman of the Council shall be a member of and be elected by the members. The Chairman shall serve a two-year term and may be re-elected to only one additional one-year term. (30)
dpt

FEB. 6, 2012 DATE

NR # 2671B
REF. NO.