CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED BY THE POLICE OFFICERS IN CRIME PREVENTION IN TABUK CITY, KALINGA

This study generally determined the challenges encountered by police officers in crime prevention in Tabuk City, Kalinga. The study specifically aimed to determine the specific challenges faced by police officers in effectively preventing crime regarding personal, family, and community relations and resources. Additionally, it sought to investigate the coping mechanisms of police officers to manage the challenges associated with their role in crime prevention. The study used a qualitative-narrative research design, and an interview guide was used to collect the data. The researcher used purposive sampling to select seven participants based on the specific characteristics or criteria relevant to the research questions. Through the use of inductive thematic analysis to analyze the qualitative data, the result revealed that police officers had encountered challenges during the implementation of crime prevention. It includes the impact of duty and personal relationships, threats and attacks, and cultural sensitivity and diversity regarding personal obstacles. Lack of time, high risk and stress, role modeling, and guidance regarding family challenges. Maximum tolerance, community engagement, concealment of criminals, and wrong perception regarding community challenges. Resource challenges require more funds and adequate equipment and vehicles. However, through proactive coping mechanisms, police officers attempted to overcome these obstacles. It concluded that the difficulties encountered by police officers in effectively preventing crime were complex and multifaceted, and they required a holistic approach that prioritized officers' well-being and could better fulfill their mission of promoting public safety. KEYWORDS: Problem encountered, coping mechanism, personal and family challenges, community and resources challenges, police officers