Freeing the Communities from Drugs: Experiences of Tagbilaran City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Personnel in the Implementation of Anti-Illegal Drugs Operations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.V2.I2.603Keywords:
Adaptive Risk Management, Anti-Illegal Drug Operations, Capacity Building, Drug Enforcement Unit Personnel, Intelligence-Driven Operations, Inter-Agency Collaboration, Legal SupportAbstract
This study explored the lived experiences of Tagbilaran City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit personnel in the implementation of anti-illegal drug operations. Anchored on Self-Efficacy Theory and supported by Team Development Theory and Safety Culture Theory, the study examined the informants’ experiences, the challenges they encountered, and their aspirations for improving operational implementation. The research employed a qualitative transcendental phenomenological design using a structured interview guide, voice recorder, and journal. Ten Drug Enforcement Unit personnel served as informants; four participated in individual interviews and six joined a focused group discussion. The gathered data were transcribed, translated, and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Findings revealed three positive experiences: intelligence-driven operations, successful apprehension or arrests, and legal and technical support. The negative experiences were operational constraints, tactical failures and compromised safety, and procedural and legal obstacles. Informants addressed these challenges through adaptability and resourcefulness, use of skills and training, and strengthened legal and case management. Their aspirations focused on stronger agency collaboration, an adaptive risk management system, and strengthened legal support through capacity building. The study concludes that anti-illegal drug operations require coordinated institutional support, adequate resources, legal guidance, training, ethical practice, and community cooperation. The study is aligned with SDG 3, SDG 4, SDG 11, SDG 16, and SDG 17 because it relates to public health, capacity building, community safety, justice, governance, and inter-agency partnership. Its sustainability impact lies in strengthening institutional, social, governance, and community sustainability through more humane, evidence-based, and accountable anti-illegal drug enforcement practices.
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