Laoag backs prov’l police’s CART program

A police CART at the Laoag City Belltower (Doms dela Cruz)

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff reporter

Laoag City—The local government here has expressed support to the police Community Assistance and Referral Team (CART) program established by the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO).

Laoag police chief P/Supt. Jeffrey T. Gorospe presented the project proposal to Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas, who immediately approved it.

Mr. Gorospe said the new INPPO project is a system of deploying police patrollers in areas of convergence, tourist destinations or identified crime-prone areas where strong police presence is needed.

The police CART consists of two male and a female police officers and bears semblance of a mobile mini police station where the community could immediately seek assistance, refer cases and provide information on matters concerning peace and order.

Police personnel manning the police CART will be equipped with basic load of armament, communication equipment, emergency medical kits, flashlights and police logbooks.

The CART itself is made up of galvanized iron with four wheels to facilitate conveyance or mobility for transfer from one place to another.

Ms. Farinas, for her part, also approved the funding for the construction of carts.

Mr. Gorospe added that the police CART has a uniform design in all the municipalities and cities.

Relative to this, the mayor is hopeful that Laoag could produce more in order to further serve the public in terms of peace and order.

Ms. Fariñas also requested the possibility of putting CARTs in schools aside from the already established nine Police Assistance Centers (PACs) in the city.