Advisers

Eliza O. Gomba

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

This study assessed the role and effectiveness of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) in promoting safety and maintaining peace and order in Barangay 177, Caloocan City. BPAT serves as a community-based support unit that assists local authorities in crime prevention, patrol operations, emergency response, and conflict mediation. Guided by Herman Goldstein’s Problem-Oriented Policing theory, the research evaluated BPAT’s performance in three areas: prevention and response to security threats, community engagement and partnership, and maintenance of peace and order. A quantitative descriptive research design was used, involving 60 respondents (40 residents and 20 barangay officials/tanods). Data were collected through a structured survey questionnaire using a four-point Likert scale. Statistical tools included frequency, percentage, Average Weighted Mean (AWM), Mann–Whitney U-Test, and Kruskal–Wallis H-Test at a 0.05 level of significance. Results showed that respondents strongly agreed that BPAT effectively performs its duties. Community engagement and partnership received the highest rating (AWM ≈ 3.44), reflecting strong relationships, trust, and collaboration with residents and stakeholders. Prevention and response to security threats (AWM ≈ 3.40) indicated proactive patrols and visible presence, though response time needs improvement. Maintenance of peace and order (AWM ≈ 3.38) highlighted BPAT’s role in reducing petty crimes and mediating minor conflicts, contributing to residents’ sense of safety. No significant differences in perceptions were found across age, sex, educational attainment, or years of residency (p > 0.05), indicating a consistent community assessment of BPAT’s effectiveness. Despite positive evaluations, challenges such as limited manpower, inadequate equipment, funding constraints, and slow emergency response were identified. The study concludes that while BPAT effectively fulfills its mandate, improvements in resources, technology, training, and stakeholder partnerships are necessary to sustain and enhance its impact on community safety.

Keywords

crime prevention, community safety, peace and order, community engagement, public perception, barangay peacekeeping action team