Advisers

Divine Grace Rapsing

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of foot patrol as a crime prevention strategy in Barangay 185, Caloocan City. It examines how foot patrol influences officer visibility, community trust, and residents’ sense of safety. The study also identifies operational challenges and suggests improvements to strengthen the program. A descriptive quantitative research design was used. Data were collected from 60 purposively selected respondents, including Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSOs) and community residents. A researcher-made survey questionnaire gathered information on demographic profiles, perceptions of foot patrol effectiveness, and challenges encountered. Weighted mean and statistical analysis were used to interpret the data. Most respondents were young to early middle-aged adults, predominantly male, with college-level education, and long-term residency or service in the barangay. Respondents strongly agreed that foot patrol is effective in crime prevention. High effectiveness was reflected in three dimensions: Visibility and Presence (3.92), Community Interaction and Trust (3.96), and Perceived Safety and Security (3.97). A significant difference in perception was found in Visibility and Presence between officers and residents, while no significant differences were observed in the other dimensions. However, several challenges were identified, including slow response times, limited patrol coverage in inner areas, insufficient visibility, inadequate communication with residents, concerns about training and equipment, and patrol schedules that did not always match peak crime hours. The findings show that foot patrol is generally effective in improving officer visibility, strengthening community trust, and increasing residents’ sense of safety. However, operational gaps limit its full potential. Increasing patrol frequency, reorganizing patrol zones, adding more BPSOs, improving equipment, enhancing training, and strengthening coordination with the national police are recommended. Regular monitoring and community feedback systems are also important to ensure continuous improvement and long-term community safety.

Keywords

crime prevention, Effectiveness, quantitative, foot patrol, community policing theory