COMMUNITY VIEWS ON POLICE PUBLIC IMAGE

A Thesis Proposal
Presented to the Faculty of the
College of Criminal Justice
University of Cebu
Cebu City

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirement for the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Criminology

by

JOHN CLARENCE G. HEREDIA

MARUEL T. SUMAYANG
FREDIRICK S. VILLACORTA

May, 2024

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page

Title Page

Acknowledgement

Abstract

Table of Contents

Chapter

1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale

Theoretical Background

THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

Significance of the Study

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Research Environment

Research Informants

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 Research Instrument

Research Procedures

Gathering Data

Analysis and Interpretation

Ethical Considerations

Trustworthiness of the Research

DEFINITION OF TERMS

CURRICULUM VITAE

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 CHAPTER 1
PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
INTRODUCTION

Rationale

Law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, are often a topic of

debate within communities worldwide regarding their public image. This is

due to a history of discrimination, abuse of power, and excessive use of

force. It's important for these agencies to build trust and improve their public

image by being transparent, accountable, and responsive to community

concerns.

To achieve this, they should consider their target audience and

provide necessary information in a direct, concise way. The text should be

organized logically, with important information presented first. To increase

clarity, everyday language should be used, avoiding acronyms, jargon, and

legal language. The text should use the active voice and favor the verb form

of the word.

The public has mixed views about law enforcement, especially the

police. Some appreciate their work, while others have negative perceptions.

Building trust and positive relationships can improve the overall perception

of law enforcement.
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 As criminology students and researchers, studying the public image of

police sheds light on a complex and multifaceted concept that is shaped by

various factors such as media portrayal, personal experiences, and societal

perceptions. It is alarming to learn that while some people view police

officers as symbols of safety and protection, others may harbor distrust or

skepticism due to incidents of misconduct, bias, or excessive use of force.

It is crucial to make efforts to improve the public image of police by

promoting transparency, accountability, and constructive dialogue between

law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. This way, we can

foster trust and cooperation between the police and the public, which is

essential for a safe and just society.

Law enforcement, especially the police, is a vital component of

upholding societal safety and order. However, recent years have seen an

increase in criticism and scrutiny of police conduct due to misconduct, racial

bias, and excessive use of force. This has led to a growing divide between

law enforcement and communities, which undermines the effectiveness of

policing and erodes public trust. To ensure that law enforcement can

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continue to perform their duties effectively, it's important to recognize and

address these issues, and work towards rebuilding trust and cooperation with

the community.

Previous attempts to portray support in unidimensional terms have

neglected the complexity of public perceptions of police efficacy and image.

The current study reveals that taken for-granted independent variables, such

as race and age, affect self-reported support for the police in a shifting

manner. However, this relationship depends upon which dimension of police

performance is considered. Furthermore, the effects vary intra-dimensionally

(Worrall, 1999).

Theoretical Background

This study is anchored on General Strain Theory of Robert Agnew

(2006) supported by Social Learning Theory of Albert S. Bandura (1977)

General strain theory (GST) is the latest and broadest version of strain

theory (Agnew, 2006). GST represents a revision and extension of prior

strain theories, including the classic strain theories of Merton (1938), Cohen

(1955), and Cloward and Ohlin (1960). To understand the development of

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GST, it is helpful to review the classic strain theories because GST was

developed, in part, to address the limitations of these theories.

General Strain theory explains that specifies the major types of

strains, identifies the types of strains that are most likely to cause crime,

explains why these strains cause crime, and explains why only some strained

individuals resort to criminal coping (Agnew & Brezina, 2019).

Agnew (1985), however, broadened the focus of strain theory to

include relationships in which others present the individual with noxious or

negative stimuli. Social control theory, by contrast, focuses on the absence

of significant relationships with conventional others and institutions. In

particular, delinquency is most likely when (1) the adolescent is not attached

to parents, school, or other institutions; (2) parents and others fail to monitor

and effectively sanction deviance; (3) the adolescent’s actual or anticipated

investment in conventional society is minimal; and (4) the adolescent has

not internalized conventional beliefs. Social learning theory is distinguished

from strain and control theory by its focus on positive relationships with

deviant others. In particular, delinquency results from association with

others who (1) differentially reinforce the adolescent’s delinquency, (2)

model delinquent behavior, and/or (3) transmit delinquent values.

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 Agnew states that the experience of strain or stress tends to generate

negative emotions such as anger, frustration, depression, and despair. These

negative emotions, in turn, are said to create pressures for corrective action,

with crime or delinquency being one possible response (Brezina, 2017).

According to Brezina (2017), states that the experience of strain or

stress tends to generate negative emotions such as anger, frustration,

depression, and despair. These negative emotions, in turn, are said to create

pressures for corrective action, with crime or delinquency being one possible

response.

Agnew (1992), however, argues that other types of goal blockage are

important and may have a stronger relationship to crime and delinquency.

After all, aspirations typically involve ideal goals or outcomes and are

somewhat utopian in character. For this reason, unfulfilled aspirations may

not be a key source of strain or frustration. GST recognizes that the

experience of goal blockage can also result from the failure to

achieve expected outcomes (e.g., the failure to receive an expected income)

as well as the failure to achieve fair and just outcomes (e.g., the failure to

receive a “deserved” income). These latter types of goal-blockage, in turn,

are expected to have a stronger association with the experience of

disappointment and dissatisfaction.

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 Social Learning theory (SLT) was introduced by Albert Bandura in

the 1970s. SLT describes the outcome of thought processes on goal-oriented

behavior. It observes the capability of an individual to learn within the social

environment through study and spoken words. Social Learning Theory is

predicted on the notion that learning occurs through social observation and

subsequent imitation of modeled behavior. According to STL, humans learn

from observing the actions and resulting consequences of others. By doing

so individuals learn to imitate the observed behavior and thus reap the

rewards, or they can learn not to imitate a particular action and thereby avoid

the disagreeable consequences. Often seen as a bridge between both

behaviorist and cognitive learning theories, social learning theory involves

reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental

influences (Sherry & Zayn, 2012).

According to Bandura (1977) proposed that Social Learning Theory

(SLT) comprises four main components. The first component is paying

attention, which is crucial for observational learning. The level of

attentiveness depends on both the observer and the person being observed.

Factors like distraction, sleepiness, or physical discomfort can hinder

attention, while focus and concentration enhance observation. The second

component is maintenance and remembrance, which involve the use of

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descriptive language and imagination to observe and imitate actions

effectively. Reproduction, the third component, involves translating

observed behavior into an individual's own words or actions, making it a

practiced behavior. Motivation, the fourth component, plays a vital role in

action execution. When an individual is motivated, they pay attention,

remember, and reproduce observed actions. SLT serves as a foundation for

interventions like coping skills training and prompt exposure therapy.

Reinforcement, a fundamental aspect of SLT, influences an individual's

tendency to imitate behaviors they are rewarded for.

According to Bandura (1977) Humans are active information

processors who consider the relationship between their actions and their

effects. Some examples of positive reinforcement are when an individual

feels the satisfaction and joy of using drugs or sometimes because of their

anxiety and stress they take drugs and by doing so their feelings seem to

decline.

In SLT, the more drugs are used the more of a habit it becomes.

Bandura's assumption is that learning does not necessarily occur as a result

of firsthand experiences alone, but rather through leveraging the power of

observation and imitation. (Martinez, 2017).

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 Of course, the effect of using drugs is different in everyone. The

effects depend mostly on what personality they may have, their history, and

what type of lifestyle they are living. If someone is using drugs to overcome

personal problems, they will have different problems in trying to stop than

someone else who is used to being social with their friends. When

individuals use drugs or alcohol, they expect the experience they will have

when they use it again. Many people do not know that their experience

depends on dose of substance or amount of alcohol, personality, and

environment. The individual who is using it, will realize at that time these

factors which will influence the effects the way they are feeling and what

environment they are living in as compared to what they expect. The effects

that an individual expects will determine what a huge problem its usage has

created.

Another integral component of SLT is self-efficacy, the individual’s

confidence of self-assurance in their capabilities to organize and complete

the procedures that lead to specific objectives. Self- efficiency is the belief in

one's own capabilities. These beliefs can significantly influence one’s

environment and outcomes and determine whether someone is able to

successfully perform the specific actions (Foster, 2006; Martinez, 2017).

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 An individual's self-assurance greatly impacts the goals they strive

for, the amount of effort they exert, and their ability to overcome obstacles.

The level of self-assurance is determined by the individual's success or

failure in achieving their objectives. Self-assurance can be applied to various

commitments, such as overcoming drug addiction. It encompasses an

individual's thoughts, emotions, and surroundings, not just their actions.

Existing stress and past experiences influence an individual's self-efficacy.

Bandura's focus on self-efficacy led to the development of the social

cognitive theory, which emphasizes the interaction between behavior,

environment, and inner qualities in understanding human functioning.

(Foster 2006, p.10).

The individual will concentrate on positive fortifying effects of drugs,

(satisfaction, relief, fun, restfulness, etc.), while he ignores the negative

influences (medical side effects, hangovers, increased anxiety, car accidents,

etc.) This individual will have low self-assurance when it comes to relaxing

or having fun with their friends without drugs.

Researchers relate SLT with advertising too. They think that

advertising also has a deep influence on the actions and behavior of the

people. Kinard and Webster (2010) have described the effect of advertising

and Bandura’s self-efficiency construct on negative behavior of people like

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the use of tobacco and alcohol consumption. Advertising has long been

thought to have a significant influence on an individual's behavior by using

favorable stereotypes that are attractive, successful, and healthy.

These positive images are widely used to depict essentially risky and

unhealthy consumer behaviors such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

(Pechmann & Knight, 2002).

SLT plays a vital job on peer roles and others who are more important

in their lives. If someone has learned to drink in a social culture when he

was growing up, this will shape his behavior and what he expects when he

drinks. This is called modeling. Modeling, in accordance with research, is a

theory used in therapy skills and training for teaching certain substance

handling skills. The effect that is significant for peer and parental modeling

is the growth of internal expectations for the effects of drugs. A relationship

that adjusts between an individual and a stressed environment is stress. It is

the outcome of inconsistency between environmental stress and an

individual’s means. Social learning theory also recognizes that whether the

effects of a drug are viewed as enjoyable is at least partially dependent upon

the learning process (Mosher & Akins, 2020).

The Cognitive Dissonance theory (CDT) was first introduced by

Festinger in 1957. It is one of the most discussed theories in social

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psychology. I have chosen CDT for my research work because the topic of

the study is very much related to social psychology. Drug addiction and its

rehabilitation is deeply related to psychology and sociology both.

Discrepancy between an attitude and a behavior – eating a doughnut while

thinking of reducing calorie intake – leads to psychological discomfort

called cognitive dissonance (Harmon-Jones, 2019, p.35). CDT is the conflict

of two beliefs that are at odds with each other, individuals experience

adversely causing comprehensive combat which is called dissonance which

is the lack of harmony in the beliefs. As the disorder of something is not

appreciated and disliked, the individuals try to diminish it by changing one

or the other beliefs.

According to (Cooper & Carlsmith, 2002) cognitive dissonance is a

mental state that can have a significant impact on our thoughts and behavior.

We will try a variety of techniques to restore harmony between our opposing

thoughts and behaviors. One study related this dissonance to the sensations

of hunger or thirst—we want to get rid of the discomfort, so we eat or drink

something.

The preferred strategy to deal with dissonance hinges on two factors.

First, depending on how important the dissonant cognition is, they opt for

the strategy that is most convenient. Second, the degree to which they are

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motivated to reduce dissonance depends on how responsible they feel for the

negative arousal (Miller et al., 2015).

The importance of CDT has been recognized in persuasion research as

well in the last few years, which is the basic human process that affects

almost all the phases of social interconnection. The content of attitude-

relevant cognitions elicited (and thus rehearsed and learned) during the

persuasion situation (Greenwald, 1968).

Drug addiction and cognitive dissonance have deep relation to each

other. The individual whose mind becomes absolutely instinctive,

determines the help of cognitive dissonance by changing his attitude of

reality to maintain balance as a mental defense method. A condition of

mental consonance feels better to us and indicates that we have reconciled

our opposing beliefs, or that we have reconciled our conduct and our beliefs

so that they are in agreement once more (Cooper & Carlsmith, 2002).

The individual addicted to drugs knows that whatever he is depending

on, is not all good and healthy for him. Still, he finds comfort, satisfaction,

and mental relaxation in using drugs because it obstructs unwanted feelings,

ideas, and responsibilities. He begins to build a world of deception where he

justifies self-destructive behavior with the help of CDT. To settle his

contradictions, he depends totally on defense mechanisms. There are mostly

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two factors that affect the immensity of cognitive dissonance: whether the

individual had some choice over the inconsistency and whether he expects

the inconsistency to have negative consequences in the future. The more

choice one had over the inconsistency (Linder et al., 1967) and the worse the

consequences (Cooper & Worchel, 1970), the stronger the dissonance will

be.

As Shahram Heshmat in one of his articles has stated, Cognitive

dissonance results from a tension between a desire and a belief. This

inconsistency produces discomfort and anxiety. The discomfort (dissonance)

motivates individuals to decrease the inconsistency between one’s wishes

and beliefs. People will go to great lengths to eliminate or reduce this

discomfort. After all, behaving against one’s wishes and intentions violates a

fundamental human need to see oneself as a rational and consistent person

(Heshmat, 2016).

So, people try to find stability in their behavior and thoughts which

result in an annoying feeling of uneasiness. To get rid of this discomfort,

they behave in different ways like justifying a wrong decision, avoiding new

information, rejecting the facts and etc. Cognitive dissonance is a case of

detecting your own hypocrisy, and hypocrisy is a powerful motivation for

finding justifications (excuses) for our action. For example, if I have unjustly

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insulted another person, I may be unable to admit to myself that I am at

fault. Instead, I will convince myself that what I did was justifiable or at

least excuses my behavior (Heshmat, 2016).

Self-Determination Theory (SDT), a seminal framework in

psychology developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, emphasizes the

intrinsic motivation and innate psychological needs that drive human

behavior. Central to SDT are the three fundamental psychological needs:

autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Deci and Ryan (2000) proposed

that satisfying these needs is essential for individuals' well-being, optimal

functioning, and personal growth. Autonomy refers to the sense of volition

and choice in one's actions, competence involves feeling effective and

capable in achieving goals, and relatedness entails feeling connected and

cared for by others.

Deci and Ryan (2017) highlighted the significance of autonomy in

promoting intrinsic motivation and fostering psychological well-being.

When individuals experience autonomy, they are more likely to engage in

activities willingly, leading to greater satisfaction and persistence.

Research conducted within the SDT framework has shown that

autonomy-supportive environments, characterized by respect for individuals'

choices and perspectives, facilitate greater motivation and positive outcomes

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across various domains, including education, work, and relationships

(Vansteenkiste & Ryan, 2013).

Competence, another key aspect of SDT, relates to individuals' need

to feel effective and capable in their pursuits. (Ntoumanis & Standage, 2009)

argued that opportunities for skill development, mastery experiences, and

feedback contribute to fulfilling the need for competence. Studies have

demonstrated that individuals who perceive themselves as competent are

more likely to experience intrinsic motivation, engagement, and well-being

in their endeavors.

Relatedness, the third psychological need in SDT, underscores the

importance of social connections and meaningful relationships for human

development and well-being. (La Guardia et al., 2000) proposed that

satisfying the need for relatedness promotes psychological health, resilience,

and positive adjustment. Research findings support the role of supportive

social environments in fostering individuals' sense of belongingness and

overall well-being.

In summary, Self-Determination Theory offers a comprehensive

framework for understanding human motivation, personality development,

and well-being. By recognizing and supporting individuals' intrinsic

psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness,

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practitioners, educators, and policymakers can create environments that

facilitate positive growth and flourishing. The extensive research conducted

within the SDT framework provides empirical evidence for its principles and

underscores its relevance across diverse cultural contexts and life domains.

THE PROBLEM

Statement of the problem

This study aims to explore the Community’s view on Police Public

Image in (Sawang Calero) Cebu City.

Specifically, it seeks answers to the following questions;

1. What are the views of the informants about police

performance?

2. What is the impact of their police performance on the lives of

the informants and their families?

3. What are the positive views of the informants on the police

public image?

4. How do the informants describe the impact of the police public

image on the PNP relation to the community?

Significance of the study

This study is beneficial to the following entities:

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COMMUNITY. This study could improve the public's perception of the

police. Gathering data could promote understanding and build trust between

law enforcement and communities. It's a valuable tool for shedding light on

important issues.

Philippine Nation Police (PNP). The data to be gather in this study will

serve as an eye opener to the general public in terms as it can help in

creating more comprehensive professional development trainings and

seminars. This, in turn, can contribute to enhancing their image in the

community.

Local Government Unit (LGU). This study aids the local government in

maintaining community peace and order. Insights gained will guide effective

policy creation and assistance. The study's findings serve as a guiding light

for necessary support in a peaceful and harmonious community."

Department of Justice (DOJ). The study's results can offer valuable

insights, leading to better understanding and effective strategies. These

insights can also identify knowledge gaps, paving the way for further

research and development.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). This study

improves and monitors Philippine National Police officers' contributions to

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the community, identifying areas for enhancement and alignment with

community needs and expectations.

The Researchers. This study advances researchers' understanding of public

perception of police image, providing new and comprehensive perspectives.

Future Researchers. The study's output can serve as a reference for future

researchers seeking literature on the community's perception of police public

image. By sharing the findings of this study, researchers can build on the

knowledge gained and continue to advance the field.

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 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study employed a qualitative method of research with an aid of a

questionnaire. To inquire on the community’s view on police public image.

Phenomenology is recognized as the appropriate approach to this

present study as it focused on human phenomenon and its importance

especially to criminology as a field of discipline. As this is a qualitative

analysis of narrative data, methods to analyze its data must be quite different

from more traditional or quantitative methods of research. Essentially, you

are focused on meaning, the meaning of the experience, behavior and

narrative (Paley, 2016).

As to Boeije (2009), phenomenology is sometimes considered a

philosophical perspective as well as an approach to qualitative methodology.

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It has a long history in several social research disciplines including

psychology, sociology and social work. Phenomenology is a school of

thought that emphasizes a focus on people's subjective experiences and

interpretations of the world. That is, the phenomenologist wants to

understand how the world appears to others. Phenomenological methods are

24 particularly effective at bringing to the fore the experiences and

perceptions of individuals from their own perspectives, and therefore at

challenging structural or normative assumptions. Adding an interpretive

dimension to phenomenological research, enabling it to be used as the basis

for practical theory, allows it to inform, support or challenge policy and

action.

Research Environment

This research will be conducted in Cebu City, a coastal highly

urbanized city in the Central Visayas region. Although administratively

independent due to its distinction as highly urbanized city, Cebu City is

commonly grouped with the island province of Cebu. The highly urbanized

city also serves as the provincial capital as well as the regional center of

Central Visayas. The city has a land area of 315.00 square kilometers or

121.62 square miles. Its population as determined by the 2020 Census was

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964,169. Cebu city is comprised of 80 barangays where 10 of which are

specifically selected for the conduct of interview.

Barangay Sawang Calero in Cebu City is a vibrant and dynamic

community with a rich cultural heritage. The barangay is named after the

Tagalog word "Sawang Kalero," which means a wide-mouthed earthen

water jar. The population of barangay Sawang Calero according to the

census conducted last 2020 dropped to 9,834 of residents, representing

1.02% of the total population of Cebu 25 City.

Research Informants

The informants of this study are 10 persons who have stayed at the

Sawang Calero for at least three years, who have accurate and sufficient

experiences along with the sudden changes in the environment in Sawang

Calero.

Research Instrument

In gathering of data, the researcher will utilize self-made-panel-

approached interview guide consisting of the following parts: part 1, deals

with the experiences of the informants in community’s view on police public

image; part 2, deals on how informants address the problems encountered in

community’s view on police public image; part 3, on the aspirations of the

informants to improve the quality of their services.

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 The researcher will arrange an interview with the informants, explain

the matters of confidentiality, prepare consent forms, will make sure to ask

open-ended questions to the informants.

Research Procedure

Purposive irregular inspecting is utilized to choose the members. Prior

to the meeting, the analyst discloses to the members the reason for the

exploration and the way by which the meeting is finished. This examination

situates in subjective research as in before the meeting, the witnesses will

sign the educated assent shape. Subjective research has been portrayed as a

naturalistic report directed through delayed contact with the field

circumstances which commonly mirror the regular daily existence and the

express and understood standards that administer that life. (Miles and

Huberman, 1994)

Data Collection: Prior to the interview, the researchers have written

a transmittal letter duly signed and approved by the Dean of the Criminology

Department addressed to specific places for us to conduct the interviews to

the informants. The data is gathered through interview and with an aide of

the voice recorder. The participants are being asked to answer the questions

honestly and completely and are given the letter and informed consent form

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stating that the person was informed of the study. The primary method for

data collection in this research involves semi-structured interviews used to

refine and develop an understanding of how participants view their

situations after experienced on handling checkpoints. Data collection refers

to the survey method that is developed and utilized to obtain information.

The methods that will be utilized in this study are structured interviews

employing close-ended and open-ended questions with the participants who

were deprived of liberty; Observations were conducted by the researcher

ourselves during interview and visits on the areas. In order to keep a proper

record of the observation, a schedule with the following columns were used,

time (days, weeks, and months), place type of event, and subjects.

Data Analysis: Thematic content analysis is utilized to analyze and

cluster interview answers in common themes for interpretation. In this

research, recorded responses to interviews are analyzed deductively to

obtain discrete, key themes that are relevant and specific to individual

categories. This inspection and analysis of the content being provided

through the interview will reveal messages within the content itself.

Thematic code analysis is used to inspect themes which emerge during

analysis for the purpose of gauging the frequency of themes and similarities

between users in use of themes.

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 The following steps were used in analyzing:Transcription, the first

step is to transcribe the data from the tape into a paper. The purpose is to

clean and edit the manuscripts by eliminating typographical errors and

contradictions; checking and editing the next step is check and edit

transcripts, prepare data for further analysis; analysis and interpretation

categories were developed, coding and data reduction was 24 completed,

and trends in the data were identified.

During this process, the researchers take all collected data, including

field notes and interview transcripts, and begin to form a clear understanding

of the information. The researcher will then code the data, conducting

content analysis by looking for specific words from which themes can be

identified. Generalization the findings of individual interviews are

generalized and differences and similarities identified, allowing for the

development of typologies. Verification during this step the researchers

embark on a process of checking the validity of interpretations by going

through the transcripts again. This allows the researcher to verify or modify

hypotheses.

Ethical Consideration. The identities of the participants are treated

with confidentiality, and prior permission is obtained from the participants

before the interviews to be conducted. The researchers also comply with the
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policy on research, namely the informed consent form, before conducting

the research on community views on police public image. Ethical standard

prevents against the fabrication or falsifying of data and therefore, promote

the pursuit of knowledge and truth which is the primary goal of research.

Ethical behavior is also critical for collaborative work because it encourages

an environment of trust, accountability and mutual respect among

researchers. This is especially important when considering issues related to

data sharing, co-authorship, copyright guidelines, confidentiality, and many

other issues. Researchers must also adhere to ethical standards in order for

the public to support and believe in the research. The public wants to be

assured that researchers followed the appropriate guidelines for issues such

as human rights, animal welfare, compliance with the law, conflict of

interest, safety, health standard and so on.

The handling of the ethical issues greatly impacts the integrity of the

research project and can affect whether or not the project receives funding.

Because ethical considerations are so important in research, many

professional associations and agencies have adopted codes and policies that

outline ethical behavior and guide researchers.

Beneficence. The primary objective of the study was to contribute

positively to the well-being of community, advocating for enhanced working

25
conditions and support systems. The research sought to bring attention to the

distinctive challenges and needs of these individuals by providing a platform

for their voices, with the potential to influence 34 favorable policy and

systemic changes. Furthermore, participants were offered post-interview

resources and support services.

Non-maleficence. A central concern is the minimization of potential

harm. Participation will be entirely voluntary, involving a comprehensive

informed consent process that elucidates the study's purpose, potential risks,

and participants' rights, including the ability to withdraw at any point

without consequences. Anonymous data collection and storage procedures

are to be implemented to ensure confidentiality. Sensitive topics will be

approached with empathy and respect, and participants will receive

debriefing and emotional support as needed.

Justice. The study will ensure in maintaining a fair and equitable

research process. Recruitment efforts target a diverse sample that accurately

represents the demographics of community within the assigned jurisdiction.

The selection will be based on informed consent and willingness to

participate, avoiding predetermined criteria that could introduce bias. Data

analysis will remain attuned to potential power imbalances, striving to

authentically represent participants' experiences.

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 Autonomy. Respecting participants’ autonomy will be upheld

throughout the research process. Informed consent forms will utilize clear

and accessible language, emphasizing participants' right to make informed

35 decisions about their involvement. Strict avoidance of coercion or undue

influence will be observed. Participants are empowered to control the pace

and content of the interviews and their feedback on the research findings are

actively sought to ensure accuracy and authenticity

Trustworthiness of Research. Trustworthiness as Sandelowski

(1993) mentioned is a matter of persuasion whereby the scientist is viewed

as having made those practices visible and therefore auditable.

Trustworthiness has been further divided into credibility, which corresponds

roughly with the positivist concept of internal validity; dependability, which

relates more to reliability; transferability, which is a form of external

validity; and confirmability, which is largely an issue of presentation.

Credibility. It is the first aspect or criterion that must be established.

It is seen as the most important aspect or measure in establishing

trustworthiness because credibility essentially asks the researcher to link the

research study’s findings with reality to demonstrate the truth of the research

findings.

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 Transferability. The researchers will also establish transferability by

providing a robust and detailed account of his experiences during data

collection. The researchers will make explicit connections to the cultural and

36 social contexts that surround data collection. This means talking about

where the interviews transpired, the general setup of the environment, and

other aspects of data collection that help provide a richer and fuller

understanding of the research setting. Thus, constitutes the idea that the

research study’s findings could apply to other contexts, situations, times, and

populations (Guba, 1981).

Dependability. Dependability, on the other hand, is also important to

trustworthiness because it establishes the research study’s findings as

consistent and repeatable. The researchers will aim to verify that the findings

are consistent with the raw data they collected, making sure that if some

other researchers were to look over the data, they would arrive at similar

findings, interpretations, and conclusions about the data. This is important to

make sure that anything will not be missed in the research study, or that the

researchers will not be sloppy or misguided in his or her final report (Guba,

1981).

Confirmability. Guba (1981) posited that confirmability is the last

criterion of trustworthiness the researchers need to establish in this study.

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This criterion has to do with the level of confidence that the research study’s

findings will be based on the participants’ narratives and words rather than

potential researcher biases.

Reflexivity. Embarking on qualitative research as a novice, my

limited experience in this domain raises the possibility that the quality of

analysis may be affected by my background. The study, focusing on the

community views on police public image, demands a keen recognition of

potential personal biases, especially given that I am a woman myself. This

connection introduces a layer of complexity that necessitates a vigilant

reflexivity throughout the research process.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following terms are defined to give further clarifications and

understanding.

Views of the informants about police performance . These

are the views of the informants about police performance, particularly to the

people who lived in Barangay Sawang Calero.

Impact of their police performance on the lives of the

informants and their families. This refers to the impact of their police

29
performants on the lives of the informants and their challenges while doing

their duties in the community.

Residents. This refers to the people who lived in Barangay Sawang

Calero for the past 3 years.

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APPENDIX A

33
APPENDIX B

34
APPENDIX D

35
 CURRICULUM VITAE

John Clarence G. Heredia

Duljo Fatima Cebu City
[email protected]
0999 974 0412
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
BACHELOR’S DEGREE:
Schools: University of Cebu – Main Campus
Course: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
(PRESENT)
SECONDARY:
School: University of Cebu – Main Campus
2015 – 2021
PERSONAL DATA:
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: May 5, 2003
Place of Birth: Cebu City
Height: 6 ft
Weight: 90 kg
Civil Status: Single
36
 Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic

Maruel T. Sumayang
Babag 2 Busay, Cebu City
[email protected]
0978 456 1234
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
BACHELOR’S DEGREE:
Schools: University of Cebu – Main Campus
Course: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
(PRESENT)
SECONDARY:
School: University of Cebu – Main Campus
2015 – 2021
PERSONAL DATA:
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: December 25, 2003
Place of Birth: Cebu City
Height: 6 ft
Weight: 90 kg
Civil Status: Single
Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic

37
 Fredirick S. Villacorta
Malabago Badian, Cebu City
[email protected]
0934 567 7900
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
BACHELOR’S DEGREE:
Schools: University of Cebu – Main Campus
Course: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
(PRESENT)
SECONDARY:
School: University of Cebu – Main Campus
2015 – 2021
PERSONAL DATA:
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: April 30, 2003
Place of Birth: Cebu City
Height: 5 ft
Weight: 80 kg
Civil Status: Single

38
Citizenship: Filipino
Religion: Roman Catholic

39