THE IMPACT OF POLICE VISIBILITY IN ENHANCING PUBLIC SAFETY IN BATASAN HILLS QUEZON CITY

Abstract

The visibility of police officers plays a crucial role in enhancing public safety by fostering a sense of security and deterring criminal activity. Increased police presence in high-crime areas can reduce residents’ fear of crime by providing reassurance and promoting a safer environment. Moreover, police visibility is associated with greater trust in law enforcement, which helps strengthen collective efficacy among community members. This enhanced community cohesion can contribute to a reduction in crime rates. This study aims to determine the consistency of the impact of police visibility on public safety in Batasan Hills, Quezon City. This study employs a quantitative descriptive research design to explain phenomena through the collection and analysis of numerical data using statistical methods. The respondents consist of three groups: 8 Barangay Officials, 20 Patrollers, and 22 residents from Batasan Hills, Quezon City. Purposive sampling, a non-probability sampling technique, was utilized to select participants based on specific characteristics relevant to the study. Respondents were categorized into five age groups, with the highest percentages (24%) in both the 18–25 and 26–33 age brackets. The gender distribution was fairly balanced, with 52% male and 48% female participants. Regarding marital status, 40% of respondents were single, while 60% were married. The majority (60%) had been residents of Batasan Hills for six years or more.

Respondents strongly agreed that police visibility plays a key role in deterring crime, increasing residents' sense of safety, and fostering trust within the community. Increasing police presence in high-crime areas was perceived as an effective strategy for crime reduction and discouraging potential offenders. Additionally, faster police response times were highly valued, with respondents agreeing that this contributes to greater public satisfaction with police performance.

However, poor infrastructure and inadequate lighting were identified as significant challenges, with 80% of respondents highlighting these issues. To address this, programs promoting trust and open communication between law enforcement and the community were ranked as the top recommended solutions. Installing additional streetlights in poorly lit areas improved the visibility of barangay tanods, while closer coordination with local police helped enhance overall security. Additionally, organizing seminars on crime prevention fostered greater community awareness and involvement.