ABSTRACT
This study investigates the awareness of the Police Community Relations (PCR) Program in Albay, particularly in crime reduction. The research aims to bridge gaps in existing studies by examining various dimensions on program status, awareness levels, stakeholder support, and challenges. Through Multi-Method Research Design, a structured survey-questionnaire was employed from three respondent groups: community members, barangay officials, and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel. The sampling approach included simple random sampling for community members, total enumeration for barangay officials, and purposive sampling for PNP members. Findings reveal that while there is a basic level of community awareness regarding PCR programs, further efforts are needed to enhance information dissemination and promote active community participation through dialogues and collaborative decision-making. The study highlights positive awareness levels that supports partnerships, with PNP-Bicol’s active collaboration serving for effective community engagement. However, significant challenges includes limited resources, negative public perceptions, and community mistrust. To address these challenges, recommendations were reinforced communication campaigns, greater involvement of Barangay Officials, targeted interventions to rebuild trust, and continuous program monitoring and evaluation to adapt strategies effectively. The "ONE-STOP SHOP" initiative is proposed as a proactive model that integrates community policing to strengthen public safety, self-reliant community-police endeavor.
Keywords: Police-Community Relations, Crime Reduction, Awareness
INTRODUCTION
Police Community Relations are integral to modern law enforcement strategies aimed at upbringing collaborative partnership between police and the communities they serve. In an era marked by complex societal challenges and evolving crime dynamics, the role of PCR in enhancing public trust, improving community safety, and preventing crime has garnered increasing attention. According to the Police Community Relations Manual, Police-Community Relations is a slowly evolving policing system that is being adopted by police organizations worldwide. This policing system can be equated with diplomacy such that even the subjects of policing actions view the system as the most acceptable form of police-community interaction to ferret out crimes, ensure public safety, or maintain peace and order.
Public perception of the police plays a critical role in the success of PCR efforts. Disfigured public perception, shaped by popular opinion, media coverage, and reputation, can distort the absolute truth based on facts. To address negative public perception, the Philippine National Police continues to innovate its policing systems and implement programs aimed at regaining public support and trust. Research on PCR underscores its massive importance in modern policing paradigms. Studies have shown that effective PCR programs can significantly reduce crime rates, enhance community satisfaction with police services, and mitigate social tensions. Moreover, PCR initiatives contribute to a more responsive and accountable police force, capable of adapting to local needs and priorities. Despite its recognized benefits, gaps remain in understanding the full impact and optimal implementation of PCR programs across different contexts. Key research questions include assessing the awareness levels of PCR among community members, evaluating the efficacy of specific PCR strategies in crime prevention, and identifying barriers to effective police-community collaboration.
The current research on the awareness of the Police Community Relations (PCR) Program in crime reduction in the Province of Albay highlights specific areas of inquiry that the present study aims to bridge. Based on the crime statistics from October 2022 to October 2023, the top three barangays in Tabaco that obtained the highest crime rates are Matagbac-5, San Juan-6, and San Lorenzo-7. In Legazpi City, Barangay 36-Kapantawan-22, Brgy Bitano-46, and Brgy Cruzada-17, and in Ligao City, Tuburan-9, Bagumbayan-6, and Busay-5 also recorded high crime rates. Thus, this research aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by examining the awareness, effectiveness, and challenges associated with PCR programs in the three cities in Albay. By exploring these dimensions, the study seeks to provide evidence-based insights that can inform policy development, enhance community engagement strategies, and optimize PCR practices to better serve and protect communities.
FRAMEWORK
This study is grounded in the Social Capital Theory and the Community-Readiness Model, both of which offer valuable perspectives on community engagement in crime prevention. The Social Capital Theory, initially conceptualized by Coleman (1988, 1990), emphasizes the role of social relationships and networks in gaining trust and mutual norms. Social capital, in this context, arises when relationships evolve to enable collective action, maximizing the capabilities of individuals who collaborate and trust one another. Incorporating Social Capital Theory into this study provides a lens for understanding the crime prevention capabilities of the Police Community Relations (PCR) initiatives. Central to this theory is trust, the foundation of effective collaboration between the community and law enforcement. Trust promotes open communication, mutual respect, and information exchange between police officers and residents, which encourages active community involvement in crime prevention. Social networks further strengthen PCR initiatives by creating channels for information dissemination and cooperative action. and collective efficacy in supporting crime prevention, reinforcing a resilient and secure community.
The second theoretical model guiding this research is the Community-Readiness Model (CRM), originally developed by the Tri-Ethnic Center at the University of Colorado. This model provides a systematic framework for evaluating a community's awareness and readiness to address social issues, such as crime. The CRM assesses a community’s stage of readiness, from “No Awareness” to “Professionalization,” across five dimensions: Knowledge of Existing Efforts, Leadership, Community Climate, Knowledge about the Issue, and Resources (Oetting et al., 2014). The CRM’s stages—from unawareness of the issue to a high level of professionalized response—help identify the prevailing attitudes, leadership engagement, and community action levels. The progression through these stages reveals how communities move from recognizing a problem to mobilizing resources and implementing structured responses. Adopting CRM in this research specifically in understanding the participants level of awareness offers a structured approach to assess Albay’s readiness for PPR-driven crime prevention. Understanding each stage helps identify current community perceptions and preparedness levels, offering insights for strategic improvements.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of this study is to determine the level of awareness of the Police Community Relations (PCR) Program in reducing crime in the Province of Albay. Specifically, the study aims to identify the status of crime prevention programs by examining key aspects such as legal basis, vision, mission and objectives, human resources, budget allocation, and the activities conducted. Additionally, the study seeks to assess the level of awareness regarding PCR programs in four critical areas: information dissemination, program implementation, police-community partnerships, and stakeholder support. Another objective is to analyze the significant agreement among the ranks involved in the PCR Program within Albay. The study will also identify the challenges encountered by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and barangay officials in implementing PCR programs. Finally, the study proposes the design of a program, called the "ONE-STOP SHOP: Reinforcing PCR Programs and Enhancing Community Linkages," aimed at strengthening and enhancing the existing PCR initiatives in the province.
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