By Dominic I. Sanchez
ZAMBOANGA CITY - In a recent survey conducted by the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Research Center (ARC), it was learned that the youth and the business sector are generally satisfied with the local police’s services, though “there are several areas needing immediate attention.”
During a press conference held at City Hall Tuesday (June 3) AdZU professor and research specialist Gerald Ebal revealed that the local police have garnered a “relatively positive feedback” from some 700 respondents in the city’s east, central and west coasts within the seven-kilometer radius after conducting a Stakeholders’ Engagement Survey or SES.
According to the SES, which used the random sampling method for selecting respondents, the members of the business sector composed of mostly owners of establishments trust and respect the police; however, they are suggesting for more police visibility as well as upgrades on their equipment (firearms, radios and vehicles) to better respond to emergencies.
Apparently, some members of the business sector do not feel secure even when at home or walking the streets.
“Pero mas malupit yung mga bata,” (But the youth are more intense in their comments) said Ebal. The survey revealed that college students view some police personnel as corrupt and arrogant.
“The youth have lesser trust in cops, but nonetheless they still respect them,” Ebal added. The youth are calling for more “approachable” police officers, who would act as role models of the community.
“In spite of these comments, we are not on a calamitous level,” said Ebal, explaining that the survey results were both qualitative and quantitative. “The police have a passing score.”
With the SES, the ARC has also conducted the Personnel Engagement Survey or PES, with some 273 police personnel as respondents. The PES has revealed that the police want more involvement from the community.
“If we look at this from both perspectives, both sets of respondents want something from the other: the public simply wants to trust their police more, and the police want more cooperation from the citizens,” Ebal pointed out.
This survey was initiated by City Police Director Angelito Casimiro.
“It is good that the police now under Col. Casimiro are doing surveys. It reflects how they are operating and how they assess themselves for improvement – the level of basis for their performance does not rely on mere gossips, but on objective, accurate and scientific data,” Ebal said.
