Linking Trust and Competence to Community Perceptions of Law Enforcement in Calbayog
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Abstract
This research investigates how community confidence intersects with perceived police efficacy within Calbayog City. To achieve this, we gathered survey responses from 150 established residents spanning three primary districts, employing a quantitative, descriptive-comparative methodology. Results demonstrate a distinct, positive statistical link tying overall citizen trust directly to how competent they believe local law enforcement to be. Although the surveyed population expressed strong confidence in active policing and procedural fairness, they highlighted notable deficiencies regarding police neutrality and preventative crime measures. Furthermore, demographic breakdowns reveal a clear divide: mid-aged adults (31 to 40 years old) and established residents (6 to 15 years) maintain substantially better views of the police compared to younger demographics, older seniors, or newly relocated individuals. Ultimately, while fundamental satisfaction with the institution remains strong, it relies heavily on the fair administration of justice. To strengthen the bond between the community and the police force, agencies must implement clear accountability protocols and highly visible public outreach initiatives, specifically targeting the identified weaknesses in preventative safety and impartial conduct..
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