CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

​ Crime prevention is crucial for maintaining peace and order in communities.

Local governments are increasingly using surveillance technologies like CCTV

cameras to deter criminal behavior. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of

these tools in preventing crime in Barangay Inocencio, focusing on crime prevention,

detection, and overall security. Surveillance technology is widely used in both urban

and rural areas to aid law enforcement activities, acting as a deterrent. Studies show

that areas with visible monitoring systems have lower crime rates due to fear of

detection. However, the efficacy of these technologies varies based on the factors

such as coverage area, technical capability, maintenance, and community

awareness. The study aims to assess crime trends before and after their adoption,

assess residents perceptions, and identify potential limitations in their use. The

findings will help local legislators, law enforcement agencies, and barangay officials

make informed decisions about future security measures and crime deterrent

methods.

Statement of the Problem

​ Property crimes such as theft, burglary, and vandalism continue to put at risk

the safety and security of Barangay Inocencio. In response, CCTV systems have

been placed across the barangay to prevent criminal activities and to identify

perpetrators. Despite the presence of various monitoring systems, the efficiency of

CCTV in identifying and apprehending suspects is unknown. There is a need to

analyze if these mechanisms are working as intended and how much they assist in
the resolution of property-related crimes in the community. Poor image quality,

restricted camera coverage, a lack of real-time monitoring, and delayed response

times may all make CCTV material less effective in investigations.

​ This study aims to examine the CCTV in identifying perpetrators of crimes

against property in Barangay Inocencio. Specifically, it seeks to answer the following

questions:

1)​ What are the perceptions of law enforcement officers and community

members regarding the usefulness of CCTV in crime prevention and

investigation?

2)​ How often does CCTV footage lead to successful apprehension and

prosecution of suspects?

3)​ How effective is CCTV in identifying perpetrators of crimes against property in

Barangay Inocencio?

4)​ What are the common challenges and limitations faced in using CCTV

footage for identifying perpetrators?

5)​ What possible improvements can be made to enhance the effectiveness of

CCTV in identifying perpetrators of property crimes?

​ Through this study, the researchers will provide insights that can help them

improve the deployment and management of CCTV systems in Barangay Inocencio

and enhance their role in maintaining community safety.

Theoretical Framework

​ This study is based on Situational Crime Prevention Theory, which holds that

crime can be discouraged or reduced by modifying the immediate environment to

make criminal behaviors more difficult, hazardous, or less rewarding. This idea is

based on the assumption that potential offenders make logical decisions and are

influenced by the perceived risks and advantages of their behavior.

In the context of property crimes such as burglary, theft, and vandalism, CCTV

surveillance serves as both a deterrent and an identifying tool. While traditional crime

prevention tactics frequently focus on social or psychological elements, Situational

Crime Prevention Theory prioritizes opportunity reduction through environmental

design, surveillance, and target hardening.

One of the primary methods of Situational Crime Prevention Theory is to increase

the perceived risks associated with illegal behavior. CCTV cameras contribute to this

strategy by improving formal surveillance, documenting real-time incidents, giving

law enforcement with visual evidence to identify suspects, and raising the possibility

of arrest.

Clarke's (1997) categorization of Situational Crime Prevention Theory comprises five

categories of preventative measures, the two most applicable to CCTV:

1.​ Increasing the risks - CCTV enhances the possibility that an offender will be

discovered and apprehended.

2.​ Reducing the rewards - Knowing that a location is under surveillance may

deter offenders from undertaking crimes due to the decreased likelihood of

success and anonymity.

This framework supports the proposition that the effectiveness of CCTV in identifying

perpetrators of crimes against property depends on multiple factors including camera

placement, image quality, lighting conditions, and integration with rapid police

response systems.
Conceptual Framework

​ Figure 1 shows the interplay of variables under investigation in the study. The

study focuses on how public and institutional perceptions, usage outcomes,

highlighted problems, and potential changes all influence the effectiveness of CCTV

systems in detecting individuals involved in property crimes. The framework

illustrates the relationship between the quality and utility of CCTV systems and their

effectiveness in criminal investigations.

Perception Frequency of Effectiveness Common Improvement

regarding CCTV of CCTV in challenges to enhance
the footage that identifying and the
usefulness leads to perpetrators limitations effectiveness
of CCTV successful in of identifying
apprehension identifying perpetrators
and perpetrators
prosecution

Figure 1. Variables under the investigation in the study

Significance of the Study

​ This study aims to assess the effectiveness of CCTV in identifying

perpetrators of crimes against property in Barangay Inocencio. The findings of this

research will be beneficial to the following stakeholders:

Philippine National Police, which can help them evaluate the reliability of solving

property-related crimes and serves as a basis for improving coordination between

law enforcement and barangay in the use and monitoring of surveillance systems.

The homeowners, which will provide them insights into how CCTV contributes to the

safety and protection of properties. Also they will gain a better understanding of the
importance of proper installation, maintenance, and strategic placement of CCTV

cameras in their homes and communities.

Security Personnel, which can use the study to enhance their surveillance

techniques, response protocols, and reporting procedure and can also help them

determine how to work more effectively with both barangay officials and PNP during

incidents.

Barangay Officials, which they can use as a guide for policy-making and decisions

related to community security and it can help them to highlight the area that needs

improvement, such as the camera placement or additional training for monitoring

personnel.

School and the future researchers that this will serve as valuable reference for

those who wish to explore topics related to crime prevention and community safety.