Transparency, Accountability and Trust Towards the Police as Perceived by Residents of Selected Barangay in Davao City, Philippines

This study examines the perceptions of transparency, accountability, and trust among residents of Davao City towards the local police force. Using a quantitative technique, the researchers surveyed residents of selected barangay in Davao City. The findings reveal a high level of perceived transparency, with residents indicating a strong belief in the openness of police operations and interactions. Similarly, the study indicates a very high level of perceived accountability among residents, reflecting confidence in the police force's responsibility for their actions and conduct. Moreover, residents exhibit a robust trust in the police force, attributed to effective community policing initiatives and visible efforts by law enforcement to engage positively with the community. Overall, residents hold a positive perception of the police force, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability, and trust to foster cooperation and ensure public safety. The demographic profiles of the respondents do not show a significant difference in their perceived trust. Statistical analyses further highlight the significant relationships between transparency, accountability, and trust, with transparency and accountability emerging as strong predictors of trust. These findings underscore the crucial role of transparency and accountability in shaping perceptions of law enforcement agencies among community members. Article visualizations: