AN ASSESSMENT ON THE POLICE VISIBILITY STRATEGIES OF THE POLICE STATION 6 PERSONNEL IN THE REDUCTION OF PICKPOCKETING

Abstract

Police visibility refers to the active presence of law enforcement officers in public areas, primarily through routine patrolling. This presence helps instill a sense of security among citizens and serves as a deterrent to potential criminal activity. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of police visibility in reducing pickpocketing incidents and promoting a safer environment.  The study involved 50 respondents, composed of 10 police officers from Police Station 6, Batasan, Quezon City, and 40 local residents within the same jurisdiction. Respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique to ensure their relevance to the research objectives.  A quantitative approach was utilized, specifically a descriptive research design, to evaluate the impact of police visibility on the occurrence of pickpocketing in the area. The researchers, in coordination with Police Station 6, conducted the evaluation of police visibility strategies and their effectiveness in reducing pickpocketing incidents. Prior to data collection, respondents were informed about the purpose of the study, and consent was obtained to ensure voluntary participation. Survey questionnaires were then distributed to the selected participants, and adequate time was allotted for them to complete their responses. The researchers ensured that participants were given clear instructions and that the data collection process was conducted in an organized and respectful manner. Once respondents completed the survey questionnaires, each form was individually collected by the researchers. The data analysis revealed that community awareness received the highest rating, followed by crime solution and crime prevention. Based on these findings, the study recommended several strategies to enhance police visibility and its effectiveness in reducing crime. These include increasing foot patrols, improving communication and engagement between police officers and the community, and incorporating technology, such as surveillance cameras, to support and strengthen law enforcement presence. The researchers recommended that police officers maintain a visible presence in areas identified as hotspots for pickpocketing incidents to help deter criminal activity and enhance public safety. They also advised Barangay officials to initiate information campaigns aimed at educating residents on preventive measures and promoting the use of community reporting systems to increase vigilance. In addition, the formation of Barangay patrol teams was proposed to improve coordination with local police and strengthen overall security efforts.  The researchers further encouraged future researchers to utilize credible sources and accurate data to ensure the reliability of their studies. This research is also highly recommended as a reference tool or manual for students, particularly those focusing on crime prevention, community safety, and law enforcement strategies.