Effectiveness of the Police Community Affairs and Development (PCAD) Program in Naga City Police Office: Evidence for an Enhanced Community Policing Model

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Police Community Affairs and Development (PCAD) Program of the Naga City Police Office as a mechanism for strengthening community-oriented policing and enhancing public safety. Utilizing a descriptive quantitative research design, data were collected from eighty-five (85) respondents composed of Philippine National Police personnel and sectoral group representatives. The study employed a researcher-made survey questionnaire, and the gathered data were analyzed using weighted mean and correlation statistics to determine the status, level of implementation, challenges encountered, and the relationship between program implementation and outcome measures.

Findings revealed that the status of PCAD implementation was generally positive, with weighted means of 3.15 for financial resources, 3.37 for human resources, 3.21 for logistical resources, 3.33 for program accomplishments, and 3.28 for unit crime statistics, indicating favorable assessments across operational dimensions. The level of implementation was also assessed as effectively implemented, particularly in Information Development Operations (WM = 3.43), Community Affairs Development (WM = 3.42), and Public Information (WM = 3.39). The results further indicated that the program contributed positively to crime prevention, public awareness, community participation, and police-community relations.

Statistical analysis confirmed a significant relationship between the status of the PCAD Program and outcome measures (Rs = 0.7486; t = 5.415 > 2.609), indicating that stronger organizational capacity and operational implementation are associated with improved program outcomes. However, while the level of implementation demonstrated a moderate positive relationship with program outcomes (Rs = 0.40625), the relationship was not statistically significant at the 0.05 level. This suggests that community policing outcomes are influenced not only by implementation activities but also by broader institutional, operational, and community-related factors.

Despite the positive findings, the study identified several operational challenges, including limitations in financial and logistical resources, community participation concerns, personnel capability issues, and coordination gaps. Although these challenges were generally assessed as manageable, they remain important considerations in sustaining effective community-oriented policing initiatives. Based on the findings, the study proposed the Naga PEACE Initiative as an enhanced community policing model focusing on partnership-building, engagement, awareness, capacity-building, and empowerment. The study concluded that the PCAD Program plays a significant role in strengthening police-community partnerships and promoting public safety, while continuous institutional support, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic innovation remain essential for sustainable program effectiveness.

Keywords: Police Community Affairs and Development (PCAD); Community Policing; Police-Community Relations; Public Safety; Crime Prevention; Program Effectiveness; Stakeholder Engagement; Philippines.

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/152-06

Publication date: May 28^th 2026