Research Paper

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between perceptions of crime prevention measures and fear of crime among police officers stationed in Kidapawan City. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, the study gathered data from 60 police officers using stratified random sampling and analyzed their perceptions of three key crime prevention dimensions: police visibility, community engagement, and surveillance technology. The findings reveal high levels of perception regarding crime prevention measures overall mean = 4.34, with community engagement scoring the highest mean = 4.40. Similarly, the level of fear of crime was also high overall mean = 4.32, with victimization experiences receiving the highest mean score mean = 4.36. A significant relationship was found between perceptions of crime prevention measures and fear of crime r = 0.772, p < 0.05, indicating that improved perceptions of crime prevention strategies correspond to reduced fear of crime. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening visible police presence, fostering community engagement, and leveraging surveillance technology to enhance public safety and reduce fear. The study recommends sustained efforts in community policing, investment in advanced surveillance tools, and initiatives to improve neighborhood trust and victim support systems. Future research could explore demographic-specific influences on the relationship between crime prevention perceptions and fear of crime.