Research Paper

Abstract

This study investigated the perception of crime severity and the community support in punitive policies in Amas, Kidapawan, North Cotabato. The highest mean satisfaction under perception of crime severity is (4.88) most of the people feel uneasy or unsafe walking alone at night because of the severe criminal activities at night. However, the lowest mean is (4.48) the statement "The presence of visible law enforcement has helped reduce the fear of crime among community members" proves that because of criminal activities the businesses and establishment are affected. Meanwhile, the community support in punitive policies is very high and with a score of (4.90) community feels that punitive policies enhance public safety and trust in the justice system. The overall findings show a significant relationship between perception of crime severity and community support in punitive policies (r=.857, p<.05). The strength of correlation between the two variables is high and has a directly proportional relationship as revealed by the coefficient of .858. This finding that because of crime severity and the unsafe feeling the respondent strongly agree on the implementation of punitive policies for their safety and to prevent the criminal activities. The study shows how is it important to have a safe environment and how is it effective to implement punitive or heavy policies.