Crime Incidence and Responsiveness of Police-Barangay Joint Operations in Barangay Buenavista and Barangay Sta. Lucia, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

Abstract

This study examined the responsiveness of police-barangay joint operations and crime incidence in Barangay Buenavista and Barangay Sta. Lucia, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. The research study used a descriptive correlational research design to examine the profiles, crime rates, and joint operation response of police officers and barangay officials who participated in the study, which involved 123 PNP personnel and barangay tanods as respondents. Results revealed that crime incidence is generally moderate in terms of types of offenses and crime hotspots, with higher frequencies observed for illegal gambling, traffic violations, minor breaches, and poorly monitored areas. Reported crime rates and crime clearance rates were perceived as high, indicating consistent reporting, prompt action, and effective incident resolution. The joint operations were found to be highly responsive in terms of response time, resource allocation, communication efficiency, community perception, joint patrol effectiveness, and incident resolution. Occupation and assignment length were significant correlates of perceived responsiveness, whereas age, educational attainment, and involvement in crime prevention initiatives were not. Furthermore, higher crime incidence was positively associated with more effective and timely responses from the police-barangay units. The research shows that joint operations succeed in building community trust and delivering quick responses, yet criminal activity requires authorities to establish better preventive strategies, including data on citizen demographics and professional backgrounds that affect response times.