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www.procor.pnp.gov.ph

APPLICATION OF E-COMMUNICATION IN

POLICE REGIONAL OFFICE CORDILLERA

(The Potentials and Criticisms of E-Communication)

          E-communication is the fastest way of sending communication messages through computer. Literally, it is the electronic transmission of information that has been encoded digitally (as for storage and processing by computers).

             One of the best practices of Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PROCOR) is the use of e-communication. Through the initiative of then Regional Director PCSUPT Benjamin B. Magalong, the mode of communication of PROCOR became fast. Among these are the creation of PROCOR website www.procor.pnp.gov.ph, e-learning, e-survey, web-GIS, GIS-Based Crime Analysis and the use of Microsoft Outlook as the main communication site of all police offices in the Cordillera.

     Through the PROCOR website, pertinent information for public consumption is being published. This is very critical since the public, the community and all the other stakeholders are working in partnership with the PNP in crime prevention and solution. Feed backs can be easily given by the viewing public through the hotline numbers of each police stations in the Cordillera which are posted in the site. Another feedback mechanism being utilized is the web-based online community survey wherein the public may participate and their answer is also critical, as the findings will provide basis in developing plans and programs to improve police services in the Cordillera Region.   Aside from yahoo.com, PROCOR also utilizes Microsoft Outlook as the main e-mail portal. Key personnel were given personal e-mail account (e.g. michelle.junio@pro-cor.net) where communication within PROCOR were circulated. Responses are easily excreted and follow-ups of the issues, requests and concerns of each offices are easily tracked. The communication process became paperless and responses became immediate. The electronic system being utilized in PROCOR made submission of reports and other compliances easier, especially that the geography of Cordillera is distinct among other regions. It fast tracks information dissemination, police intervention responses, alert responses and the likes. Through e-communication, location of crimes and crime peak hours were easily disseminated to the responding personnel, thus, provides competent and logical intervention. The social networking site (facebook and twitter) is another e-communication being used in the PNP as information dissemination outlet in crime prevention and solution. Through exchanging of information, reactions and responses, the organization were able to apprehend some criminals, informs the public of the different threats and safety awareness and encourages suggestions for improvement of the police service. These proved the potentials of electronic communication as quick, convenient, and inexpensive.

Among other potentials of e-communication benefited by PROCOR are the following:
1. Speedy transmission:  It requires only few seconds to communicate through electronic media because it supports quick transmission.

2. Wide coverage: World has become a global village and communication around the globe requires a second only.
3. Low cost: Electronic communication saves time and money. For example Text sms is cheaper than traditional letter.

4. Exchange of feedback: Electronic communication allows instant exchange of feedback. So communication becomes perfect using electronic media.

5. Managing global operation: Due to advancement of electronic media, business managers can easily control operation across the globe. Video or tele conferencing e-mail and mobile communication are helping managers in this regard.

          

However, with the fast growing criminalities in the country, law breakers as well became technology savvy. They took advantage of the use of e-communication in executing delinquencies to the extent of hacking the PNP websites. The potential of e-communication in massive connectivity with people worldwide provides at the same time a criticism on how this application were abused to destroy people and even an organization. Technically, e-communication are limited in terms of:

1. Volume of data: The volume of tele-communication information is increasing in such a fast rate that business people are unable to absorb it within relevant time limit.

2. Cost of development: Electronic communication requires huge investment for infrastructural development. Frequent change in technology also demands for further investment.

3. Legal status: Data or information, if faxed, may be distorted and will cause zero value in the eye of law.

4. Undelivered data: Data may not be retrieved due to system error or fault with the technology, hence required service will be delayed. 
5. Dependency: Technology is changing every day and therefore poor countries face problem as they cannot afford new or advanced technology. Therefore poor countries need to be dependent towards developed countries for sharing global network.

            

      On a personal perspective, e-communication is still a positive innovation in the field of communication. With our desire to cope up with the fast development of technology, it is but apt to adapt with such change. The negative impact of it depends on how we use, manage and limit the system in our own convenience. The proliferation of technology makes us aware of the fast changing environment, thus serves as an indicator to upgrade our skill for survival. Just like any other form of communication, it is a human or individual choice on how to use it--- to make or unmake, to build or destroy, connect or disconnect, the choice is within our hands.

SOURCE ON THE POTENTIALS/ CRITICISMS OF E-COMMUNICATION: 

(http://www.meammarketing.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-electronic-communication/)