Section 35December 13, 1990, Sec./Art. 35

Support Units. – The PNP shall be supported by administrative and operational support units. The administrative support units shall consist of the Crime Laboratory, Logistic Unit, Communications Unit, Computer Center, Finance Center and Civil Security Unit. The operational support units shall be composed of the Maritime Police Unit, Police Intelligence Unit, Police Security Unit, Criminal Investigation Unit, Special Action Force, Narcotics units, Aviation Security Unit, Traffic Management Unit, the Medical and Dental Centers and the Civil Relations Unit.

To enhance police operational efficiency and effectiveness, the Chief of the PNP may constitute such other support units as may be necessary subject to the approval of the Commission: Provided, That no support unit headed by a chief superintendent or a higher rank can be created unless provided by law.

(a) Administrative Support Units. – (1) Crime Laboratory. There shall be established a central Crime Laboratory to be headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, which shall provides scientific and technical investigative aid and support to the PNP and other government investigative agencies.

It shall also provide crime laboratory examination, evaluation and identification of physical evidences involved in crimes with primary emphasis on their medical, chemical, biological and physical nature.

There shall be likewise be established regional and city crime laboratories as may be necessary in all regions and cities of the country.

(2) Logistic Unit. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Logistics Unit shall be responsible for the procurement, distributions and management of all the logistical requirements of the PNP including firearms and ammunition.

(3) Communications Unit. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Communications Unit shall be responsible for establishing an effective police communications network.

(4) Computer Center. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Computer Center shall be responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of a database system for the PNP.

(5) Finance Center. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Finance Center shall be responsible for providing finance services to the PNP.

(6) Civil Security Unit. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Civil Security Unit shall provide administrative services and general supervision over organization, business operation and activities of all organized private detectives, watchmen, security guard agencies and company guard houses.

The unit shall likewise supervise the licensing and registration of firearms and explosives.

The approval applications for licenses to operate private security agencies, as well as the issuance of licenses to security guards and the licensing of firearms and explosives, shall be decentralized to the PNP regional offices.

(b) Operational Support Units. – (1) Maritime Police Unit. Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Maritime Police Unit shall perform all police functions over Philippine territorial waters and rivers.

(2) Police Intelligence Unit. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Police Intelligence Unit shall serve as the intelligence and counterintelligence operating unit of the PNP.

(3) Police Security Unit. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, Police Security Unit shall provide security for government officials, visiting dignitaries and private individuals authorized to be given protection.

(4) Criminal Investigation Unit. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Criminal Investigation Unit shall undertake the monitoring, investigation and prosecution of all crimes involving economic sabotage, and other crimes of such magnitude and extent as to indicate their commission by highly placed or professional criminal syndicates and organizations.

This unit shall likewise investigate all major cases involving violations of the Revised Penal Code and operate against organized crime groups, unless the President assigns the case exclusively to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

(5) Special Action Force. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Special Action Force shall function as a mobile strike force or reaction unit to augment regional, provincial, municipal and city police forces for civil disturbance control, counterinsurgency, hostage-taking rescue operations, and other special operations.

(6) Narcotics Unit. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Narcotics Unit shall enforce all laws relative to the protection of the citizenry against dangerous and other prohibited drugs and substances.

(7) Aviation Security Unit. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Aviation Security Unit, in coordination with airport authorities, shall secure all the country's airports against offensive and terroristic acts that threaten civil aviation, exercise operational control and supervision over all agencies involved in airport security operation, and enforce all laws and regulations relative to air travel protection and safety.

(8) Traffic Management Unit. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Traffic Management Unit shall enforce traffic laws and regulations.

(9) Medical and Dental Centers. – Headed by a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Medical and Dental Centers shall be responsible for providing medical and dental services for the PNP.

(10) Civil Relations Units. – Headed with a Director with the rank of chief superintendent, the Civil Relations Unit shall implement plans and programs that will promote community and citizens' participation in the maintenance of peace and order and public safety.