Joseph Angihan | Jenn Aubrey Baybado | Rodolfo De Guzman | Gilda Octavo
Discipline: Humanities
Crime prevention stands as a critical mandate within communities, primarily entrusted to law enforcement agencies such as the police. This concept manifests as a multifaceted construct, subject to diverse perspectives shaping its implementation and effectiveness, often interchangeably synonymous with crime reduction. Despite its paramount importance, the Philippines ranks significantly lower in the Order and Security Index compared to other ASEAN countries, necessitating enhancements in crime prevention strategies implemented by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to fortify the country's security framework. Particularly, this study aims to elucidate the crime opportunity reduction techniques employed by female police officers operating within Santiago City, Region 2, Philippines. Employing a descriptive survey design, 33 women police officers stationed across three checkpoint areas and the headquarters were engaged in the study. The investigation revealed that while police visibility emerged as the most prevalent strategy, the utilization of place managers remained notably underutilized among the surveyed officers. Despite the implementation of various strategies, challenges surfaced hindering effective execution, notably encompassing inadequate personnel, community uncooperativeness, deficient facilities and equipment, and limited mobility among police officers. In light of the findings, the research advocates for future studies that encompass male officers, ensuring a broader participant pool, and delving deeper into officers' strategies for overcoming departmental inadequacies impeding the implementation of crime opportunity reduction techniques. Such inquiries could yield comprehensive insights crucial for refining crime prevention strategies, thereby fortifying the security fabric of the community and the nation at large.