THE ROLE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT IN ADDRESSING SOCIAL MEDIA RELATED CRIMES AT BARANGAY GREATER LAGRO, QUEZON CITY

Abstract

The advent of the digital age has revolutionized nearly every aspect of human life, including communication, commerce, entertainment, and education. This technological transformation has also extended to the realm of criminal activity, giving rise to a new wave of offenses that exploit the unique vulnerabilities and vast opportunities provided by the internet and social media platforms. This study will utilize a qualitative descriptive research design to examine the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in addressing social media-related crimes in Barangay Greater Lagro, Quezon City. The demographic profile of the respondents reveals that the highest frequency among the three groups was within the age range of 26–33 years, with 22 respondents, accounting for 27.50% of the total. In terms of sex, female respondents constituted the majority, with 45 individuals representing 56.25%. Regarding civil status, most respondents were single, comprising 45 individuals or 56.25% of the sample. Regarding educational attainment, the majority were high school graduates, comprising 36 respondents, or 45%.

In terms of the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies in addressing social media-related crimes, the results show the following:

2.1 Monitoring and Investigation received an overall weighted mean of 3.42, interpreted as Strongly Agree.

2.2 Identifying and Tracking yielded an overall weighted mean of 3.27, also interpreted as Strongly Agree.

2.3 Conducting Digital Forensics had an overall weighted mean of 3.25, interpreted as Agree.

2.4 Executing Search Warrants garnered an overall weighted mean of 3.34, interpreted as Strongly Agree.

2.5 Arresting Offenders obtained an overall weighted mean of 3.27, likewise interpreted as Strongly Agree.

A notable challenge identified in the study is the difficulty in tracking and identifying anonymous accounts involved in social media crimes. Most of the respondents were female, comprising 45 individuals or 56.25% of the total, and the majority belonged to the age group of 26 to 33 years. In terms of civil status, the highest number of respondents were single, also totaling 45 or 56.25%. The respondents strongly agreed with the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts across the variables: Monitoring and Investigation, Identifying and Tracking, Executing Search Warrants, Conducting Digital Forensics, and Arresting Offenders.

The most commonly encountered issue was the difficulty in tracking and identifying anonymous accounts involved in social media crimes. As a response, the most highly recommended solution by the respondents was to strengthen the capacity of local law enforcement in tracking and identifying anonymous social media accounts involved in criminal activities.