Advisers

Flordaliza M. Gabbaoan, RCrim, MSCJ

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

Street crimes such as theft, robbery, and physical assault remain persistent threats to public safety in urban communities. In densely populated areas like Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City, the increasing movement of people, commercial activity, and residential expansion heighten the risk of opportunistic crimes. These incidents not only cause material and physical harm but also create fear, reduce community cohesion, and weaken public trust in law enforcement. As a result, effective and sustainable crime prevention strategies are essential to ensure safety and maintain peace and order. One widely implemented strategy in crime prevention is police omnipresence, which refers to the increased visibility of police personnel through routine patrols, strategic deployment, and proactive engagement within the community. This study employed a descriptive quantitative research design to assess the perceived effectiveness of police omnipresence in preventing street crimes. The design was selected to systematically measure and analyze the perceptions of different respondent groups using structured data collection and statistical analysis. The respondents of the study consisted of three groups: residents of Barangay Commonwealth, police officers assigned to the area, and barangay tanod involved in maintaining community security. The findings of the study revealed that police omnipresence was generally perceived as effective in preventing street crimes in Barangay Commonwealth. In terms of crime deterrence, respondents indicated that visible police patrols contributed to a reduced likelihood of criminal activity in public spaces. The presence of uniformed officers in streets, commercial areas, and transportation hubs was associated with an increased sense of security among residents and community. The high rating for police responsiveness indicates that strategic deployment and patrol visibility improve the ability of law enforcement to react promptly to incidents. This finding aligns with the principles of deterrence theory, as visible law enforcement increases the perceived risk for potential offenders. Moreover, consistent patrol presence supports routine activity theory by ensuring capable guardians are present in areas where crimes are likely to occur. Significant differences in perceptions among stakeholders highlight the importance of understanding varying expectations.

Keywords

Crime Prevention Strategy, community engagement, Police Omnipresence, Street Crimes, Deterrence, Police Responsiveness