Dimensions of Community Safety in Rural Areas as Perceived by Community Members
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ijcj.v2i1.7134Keywords:
Community Ordinance, Community Safety, Local Government UnitAbstract
Community safety is a vital aspect of sustainable development, influencing individual well-being, collective trust, public engagement, and the effective functioning of local governance. This study examines the dimensionality of community safety in rural areas as perceived by community members. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the dimensions of community safety. To contextualize, the use of in-depth interviews with ten community members were conducted first to capture the significant statements to be used in the study. A total of 27 unique statements were extracted and transformed into a questionnaire. Pilot testing was conducted prior to implementing the developed survey questionnaire to 280 respondents. Data analysis includes data reduction techniques to determine the dimensions and thematic analysis to name the created dimensions. Based on the result, three dimensions were: Policy and Ordinance, Participation and Collaboration of the community and LGU, and Implementation of checkpoints and curfew. These dimensions show the multidimensional efforts undertaken to enhance community safety and resilience. ‘Policy and Ordinance’ reflects the institutional frameworks and legal mandates that guide behavior and set expectations. ‘Participation and Collaboration of the community and LGU highlights the shared responsibility and the importance of grassroots engagement, while ‘Implementation of checkpoints and curfew’ demonstrates the operational strategies used to deter crime and maintain order. Together, these dimensions provide a comprehensive picture of both preventive and responsive safety mechanisms at the local level.
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