Abstract

This study explores the role of police-community meetings in fostering trust and cooperation within Brgy 176, Bagong Silang, Caloocan City. In recent years, effective law enforcement has increasingly relied on collaborative efforts between police forces and local communities to address crime, maintain peace, and promote civic engagement. Despite various initiatives by the Philippine National Police (PNP), gaps remain in community perception of police transparency, fairness, and responsiveness. This research addresses these gaps by evaluating how structured community meetings contribute to stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement, thereby enhancing public safety and social cohesion. A descriptive-quantitative research design was employed to collect data from 150 residents of Brgy 176 through structured questionnaires. The study also incorporated focus group discussions and key informant interviews with local police officers and barangay officials to capture qualitative insights. Statistical analysis using weighted mean scores and thematic coding were applied to interpret the responses and identify patterns in perceptions of trust, cooperation, and engagement. Results indicate that police-community meetings significantly improve residents’ confidence in law enforcement. Respondents reported increased transparency, responsiveness to concerns, and perception of fairness in police actions. The most notable outcomes include strengthened community ties, greater willingness to report incidents, and collaborative problem-solving initiatives between residents and the police. However, the frequency and quality of meetings varied, affecting the consistency of positive perceptions among participants. The findings suggest that regular, well-organized community meetings serve as an effective mechanism to build trust and cooperation. While this study is limited to a single barangay, it highlights the potential of participatory policing strategies to improve community relations and crime prevention. Future research may expand to multiple barangays or explore the long-term impact of such meetings on crime rates and civic engagement. Policymakers and local leaders may use these insights to institutionalize community meetings as part of routine policing practices.