CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Crime is a violation of societal rules of behavior as interpreted and expressed by

the criminal law, which reflects public opinion, traditional values, and the viewpoint of

people currently holding social and political power. Individuals who violate these rules

are subject to sanctions by state authority, social stigma, and loss of status (Siegel,

2008). Crime prevention is the anticipation, recognition, and appraisal of a crime risk

and the initiation of action to remove or reduce it. It also refers to the attempts to

prevent crime or criminal offending before the actual act has been committed. Crime

prevention and public safety are fundamental in communities worldwide.

The police visibility is an indispensable service that plays a leading role in the

accomplishment of the police purpose. It is the only form of police service that directly

attempts to eliminate the opportunity for misconduct (Almoguera, Buyo et. Al.., 2019).

With this, the people, properties and the entire surroundings should be felt secured and

free from any dangerous acts from criminals. Patrol aimed at protecting the people and

preserving the peace in the extent of accosting some anti-social behavior which tend to

disturb the public peace. It was itself considered as the backbone of police organization,

patrol plays a big role in crime prevention campaign not just to protect properties,

business establishment but also to preserve and maintain the harmony inside the entire

jurisdiction (J. Guelas, 2022).

People feel that they are secured if there is a heightened police visibility in the

area. Referring to the anatomy of the crime, the only thing that police visibility can

deny is the opportunity to commit crimes, hence this will cater huge part in preventing

crimes. In UN view of community policing, in which one of the main purpose is to

improve the relationship between the police and the public (Salmi, Voetem, et. al.,

2020). Enhancing citizen reassurance is not simply a matter of increasing police

patrols, equally important is what police officers do when they are on patrol (Innes and

Fielding, 2002; Skogan and Harnet, 1977).

Police visibility has been considered by the police authorities throughout the

world as the most important component of any police organization not only because it

is the highest but because patrol is in direct contact with the public presence and

omnipresence of the police in the community. To a great extent, the patrol force

controls the desire to commit a violation and discourages the opportunity of committing

any violations (Cael, 2000).

Thus, the researchers would like to investigate the level of responsiveness of the

public towards police visibility in crime prevention within the Municipality of Tapaz,

Capiz. This study aims to evaluate the impact of police visibility on crime prevention

and community safety.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the level of the responsiveness of the public

towards police visibility in crime prevention in the Municipality of Tapaz, Capiz.

1. What is the socio-demographic profile of the respondents?

2. What is the level of the responsiveness of the public towards police

visibility in crime prevention in the Municipality of Tapaz, Capiz.

3. Is there a significant difference in the level of responsiveness of the

public towards police visibility in crime prevention in the Municipality of

Tapaz, Capiz considering the respondent’s category?

Hypothesis

Based on the foregoing statement the following hypothesis of the study will be tested.

There is no significant difference in the level of responsiveness of the public

towards police visibility in crime prevention in the Municipality of Tapaz, Capiz

considering the respondent’s category.

Theoretical Framework

This study will be anchored in the different theories regarding the

responsiveness of the public towards police visibility in crime prevention within the

Municipality of Tapaz, Capiz.

Deterrence Theory, this theory can be anchored to this study because instances

have emerged where law enforcement officers find themselves under intense public

inspections due to their actions caught on camera, even when their conduct may be

deemed justified within the context of the situation. This phenomenon underscores the

complexity of modern policing and the delicate balance between enforcing the law and

public perception. Deterrence theory, as explained by Pratt et al. (2017), suggests that

the mere exposure of such incidents to the public eye, regardless of whether actual

misconduct has occurred, may serve as an important punishment to possible future

offenses by law enforcement officers. This shows how the circumstances of

responsibility in law enforcement are changing and how important it is for the public

and media to influence the actions and methods of law enforcement. There have been

incidents wherein an officer is captured on film and is criticized publicly for their

behavior, despite the that it is justified given the situation. Deterrence theory claims

that the public outcry that results from the publication of such footage acts as a
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deterrent, regardless of the presence or absence of 'rule breaking behavior' (Pratt et al,

2017).

Next is the Symbolic Interactionism, this theory focuses on the symbolic

meaning attached to police visibility. Since police officers are a symbol of law and

order, their very presence can instill a sense of safety and security in the neighborhood.

Individuals, influenced by symbolic interactionism, perceive symbols as symbols of

authority and protection, potentially deterring them from engaging in criminal

activities.

Moreover, the Social Control Theory posits that individuals are less likely to

engage in criminal behavior when they have strong social bonds and attachments to

conventional institutions, such as family, school, and community. Visible police

presence in communities reinforces the norms and values of society, signaling that law

enforcement is actively engaged in maintaining order and deterring criminal behavior,

increases the perceived risk of detection for potential offenders, can enhance public

trust and confidence in law enforcement agencies, and can contribute to a sense of

security among residents. The connection between Social Control Theory and police

visibility lies in the role of law enforcement in reinforcing societal norms, promoting

trust and cooperation within communities, and creating a sense of security that deters

individuals from engaging in criminal behavior.

Lastly, according to Boudon (2002), rational choice theory can be described by

a series of postulates. First, any social phenomenon is the effect of individual decisions,

actions, and attitudes. Second, in principle, an action can be understood. Third, actions

are caused by rational reasons formed within the minds of individuals. Fourth, actors

give potential actions and consequences consideration prior to acting. Fifth, actors are

concerned with the consequences to themselves of their own action, and lastly, actors
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are able to distinguish the costs and benefits of alternative lines of action and they tend

to. Choose the line of action with the most favorable balance (Boudon, 2002; p. 3-4).

Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson, University of Illinois, Urbana which focuses on

the theory of Social Change and Crime Rate Trends: A Routine Activity Approach.

Routine activity theory looks at crime from an offender’s point of view. A crime will

only be committed if a likely offender thinks that a target is suitable and a capable

guardian is absent. It is the offender’s assessment of a situation that determines whether

a crime will take place. This theory suggests that crime occurs when three elements

converge: a motivated offender, a suitable target, and the absence of a capable

guardian. Police visibility acts as a capable guardian, deterring potential offenders and

reducing the likelihood of crime.

Conceptual Framework

The following conceptual framework illustrated in figure 1. This study will

focus on the level of responsiveness of the public towards police visibility in the

Municipality of Tapaz, Capiz.

The dependent variable of the study is the Level of Responsiveness of the

Public towards Police Visibility while the Respondent’s Category is regarded as the

independent variable.
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Schematic Diagram

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

LEVEL OF

RESPONSIVENESS OF THE

PUBLIC TOWARDS

POLICE VISIBILITY IN

CRIME PREVENTION

Figure1. Schematic diagram showing the

relationship between the independent

variable and dependent variable.

Significance of the Study

The study may provide additional information about the level of responsiveness

of the public towards police visibility in crime prevention in the Municipality of Tapaz.

Furthermore, the result of the study will be great to help some concerned agencies and

individuals.

Philippine National Police. The findings of this study may be helpful to the

PNP for them improve and strengthen the development of their officers to prevent

crimes.

Local Government Officials. The result of this study may be taken up by the

authorities during the staff meeting so they can figure out ways to maximize police

visibility in the municipality of Tapaz, Capiz.

Barangay Officials. The result of this study would encourage them to take

measures by activating more barangay police officers as well as barangay tanods to

prevent crime happenings. As well as identifying their strength and weaknesses, it will

be used to make plans, policies, and guidelines that better serve them.

Community. The result of this will give information of the people about the

importance of police visibility. It would make them more vigilant and make them more

participative in helping the officers by informing them and reducing their chances of

being victim of such crime.

Future Researches. The results of this study will let them know the

responsiveness of the public towards police visibility in crime prevention in the

municipality Tapaz, Capiz. This study will serve as a sort of reference for future
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researchers who will be conducting the same study but different variables and

respondents.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study will focus on identifying the level of responsiveness of the public

towards police visibility in the Municipality of Tapaz, Capiz.

Descriptive-Correlational types of research will be used in this study.

The respondents of this study will be limited to the elected and appointed barangay

officials and barangay tanods of the adjacent barangays that surrounds within the town

of the Municipality of Tapaz, Capiz.

It will use survey questionnaire composed of two (2) parts to gather the

necessary data. Part 1 deals with the personal information about the respondent such as

age, sex, educational attainment and category. Part 2 pertains to the level of

responsiveness of the public towards police visibility.

Statistical methods such as frequency count, percentage, mean, and t-test will be

used to evaluate and interpret the collected data.

Definition of Terms

In order to provide a common frame of reference, some important terms are

defined conceptually and operationally.

Civilian: A person who is not a member of the police or the armed forces

(Cambridge Dictionary). The same definition will be used in this study because we are

pertaining to civilians when we talk about the public.

Communication: It is the act of communicating with people, it can convey a

message, letter, or announcement. Communication is also the exchange of information

and the expression of feelings that can result in understanding (Cambridge Dictionary).

The researchers will be using the same definition in this study because communication

plays a vital role in the responsiveness of the public toward police visibility.

Community Safety: The collective state of security and well-being experienced

by residents within a community or locality (Geelong Australia). This definition is

adapted in this study because the safety of the people is one of the reasons why we need

police visibility. It encompasses both objective measures of crime rates and subjective

perceptions of safety, including residents' sense of security and confidence in the ability

of local authorities to maintain order and respond to emergencies.

Crime: An action or omission that constitutes an offense that may be

prosecuted by the state and is punishable by law (Oxford Dictionary). The same

definition will be used in this study.

Crime Prevention. Crime prevention involves any activity by an individual or

group, public or private, which attempts to eliminate crime prior to it occurring or

before any additional activity results (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,

2019). In this study, the same definition was used, and crime prevention here refers to

the efforts exerted by police patrol operations to prevent abuse of rights and

commission of crimes.

Patrol: An expedition to keep watch over an area, especially by guards or

police walking or driving around at regular intervals (Oxford Dictionary). The same

definition will be used since patrolling is an example of police visibility in the

community.
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Peace and Order: The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life,

liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the

enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy (police human rights

resources). The same definition will be used in this study for the reason that peace and

order is one of the goals of the police visibility.

Perceptions of Safety: Perceptions of safety are particularly sensitive to the

physical environment because these physical environmental factors are tangible to

residents. Fear of crime may cause some people to restrict the choices they make about

how to lead their lives, such as avoiding certain areas or avoiding going out at night

(Canterbury Well-being). The same definition will be used in this study. It

encompasses feelings of vulnerability, fear of crime, and confidence in the

effectiveness of crime prevention measures, including the presence of law enforcement.

Police: Refers to the body of officers representing the civil authority of

government. Police typically are responsible for maintaining public order and safety,

enforcing the law, and preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal activities.

These functions are known as policing. Police are often also entrusted with various

licensing and regulatory activities (Britannica Dictionary). The same definition will be

used in this study for the reason that the police officers are the ones that are doing the

job of patrolling within the community.

Police Visibility: Creates a feeling of security on the part of the law-abiding

citizen, a feeling of confidence that the policemen are available to respond when called

upon in any situation, and a feeling of fear on the part of the would-be violators

(Research Public). The same definition will be used. It encompasses both the physical

presence of police officers and the visibility of police vehicles and equipment.
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Public Responsiveness: Public responsiveness, or responsiveness to citizens at

large, reflects "the capacity to satisfy the preferences of citizens. The attitudes,

perceptions, and behaviors of community members towards police visibility and its role

in crime prevention efforts (Jstor Library). It includes residents' willingness to

cooperate with law enforcement, their perceptions of safety and security, and their

support for policing initiatives.

Responsiveness: Refers to the quality or state of being responsive; the quality

of having a reaction to something or someone, especially a quick or positive reaction

(Vocabulary Dictionary). The same definition will be used in this study.

Socio-economic Factors: Are economic indicators that are used to model the

characteristics of communities, social groups and households. For example, factors

such as income, wealth and education that are used to categorize populations as

working class, middle class or upper class (Simplicable). These factors influence

residents' access to resources, opportunities, and social networks, which may in turn

shape their perceptions and behaviors toward police visibility and crime prevention

efforts.

Trust in Law Enforcement: Encompasses trust in specific officers and the

police service as an institution. People are more likely to trust the police if they have

positive evaluations and expectations of the fairness, effectiveness, and integrity of the

police (Parliament Uk). In this study, it reflects residents' perceptions of the fairness,

effectiveness, and responsiveness of the police in addressing crime and maintaining

public order.

Visibility: Quality or fact or degree of being visible; perceptible by the eye or

obvious to the eye or the degree of exposure to public notice (Britannica Dictionary).

The same definition will be used in this study.