EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNITY POLICING STRATEGIES IN REDUCING CRIME RATES IN QUEZON CITY

Abstract

Community policing is a modern, collaborative approach to law enforcement that prioritizes trust, transparency, and partnership between police officers and the communities they serve. Unlike traditional policing, which is typically reactive and centered on responding to crime after it occurs, community policing emphasizes prevention by addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to criminal behavior. This model encourages consistent, open communication and cooperation between law enforcement and local residents, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for public safety and problem-solving. Globally, community policing has gained recognition as an effective strategy for reducing crime, enhancing public trust, and strengthening the overall relationship between police and the communities they protect. This study will employ a descriptive research design to investigate the influence of community policing strategies on crime reduction in Quezon City. As McCombes (2019) explains, descriptive research enables the analysis of one or more variables through systematic observation without manipulating the research environment. Unlike experimental methods, this approach aims to capture authentic behaviors, conditions, and perceptions as they naturally occur. By collecting firsthand insights from residents, barangay officials, and law enforcement personnel, the researchers seek to gain a deeper understanding of how community policing initiatives are implemented and experienced on the ground. This method allows for a comprehensive exploration of the real-world effectiveness of these strategies in enhancing public safety and community relations. Community policing faces several critical challenges that must be addressed to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability. One major issue is the poor collaboration between the police and the community, which often stems from a lack of trust and mutual understanding. To overcome this, it is essential to foster proactive engagement, maintain open and honest communication, and respond directly to community concerns. Equally important is promoting transparency and ensuring accountability within the police force to rebuild public confidence. Another significant barrier is the lack of citizen participation, often caused by skepticism, fear, or a perceived disconnect from law enforcement. Addressing this requires deliberate efforts to involve citizens in decision-making processes, offer meaningful opportunities for participation, and cultivate a culture of inclusivity and respect. Lastly, limited resources such as inadequate funding, equipment, or transportation, can severely restrict the scope of community policing initiatives. A strategic solution is to build strong partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses to pool resources, support programs, and encourage active community involvement. This chapter presents the summary and conclusion of the study, which aimed to assess the challenges faced by Barangay Gulod, Novaliches, Quezon City in evaluating the effectiveness of community policing strategies in reducing crime rates.