Assessment: Urban Patrol in Reducing Crime in Tagbilaran City, Bohol
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.V2.I2.373Keywords:
Community Safety, Crime Incidence Rates, Crime Prevention Effectiveness, Crime Response Time, Hotspot Policing, Routine Patrol Schedules, Strategic Patrol Deployment, Urban PatrolAbstract
This study assessed urban patrol in reducing crime in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, focusing on routine patrol schedules, strategic patrol deployments, crime incidence rates, crime response times, community safety, and crime prevention effectiveness. Anchored on Routine Activity Theory, Deterrence Theory, Hot Spots Policing Theory, and an input-process-output framework, the study employed a quantitative correlational research design. Data were gathered from 398 community residents within selected patrol coverage areas using a structured survey questionnaire. The data were analyzed using weighted mean, standard deviation, and Pearson r correlation. Findings showed that respondents agreed that routine patrol schedules were properly implemented, with an overall mean of 3.12, while targeted patrol deployments were also positively assessed, with an overall mean of 3.04. Crime-related outcomes were likewise rated positively, particularly crime incidence rates with a mean of 3.18, crime response time with a mean of 3.05, and community safety perception with a mean of 3.20. Crime prevention effectiveness was rated effective, with an overall mean of 3.15. Correlation results showed significant relationships between urban patrol frequency and crime-related outcomes, indicating that patrol visibility, routine scheduling, and strategic deployment are associated with reduced crime incidence, faster response, and improved community safety. The study concluded that urban patrol plays a significant role in crime prevention in Tagbilaran City. It recommended strengthening routine patrols, using crime data and hot-spot analysis, improving officer deployment, sustaining community engagement, and adopting the proposed action plan. The study supports SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Its sustainability impact is reflected in stronger community safety, improved governance, evidence-based policing, and institutional support for peace and order.
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