Peoples Empowerment Against Crime through Education: A Framework for an Enhanced Crime Prevention Program

The success of any crime prevention program depends on the extent to which the public is aware of the magnitude and threat of crime, and their understanding and acceptance of methods to prevent it. Crime prevention services will take a little value unless the public is aware of the programs, understands their benefits and takes action. (Virginia Dept of Criminal Justice Services, 1988) The purpose of the study is to assess the level of awareness on crime of the Barangay officials and community in Brgy. Bubukal Sta Cruz, Laguna and the methods used in the delivery of information in order to create a proposed action plan that will help to enhance the crime prevention program. In the findings of the study, the Barangay officials and the community of the Brgy. Bubukal Sta Cruz, Laguna are not fully aware on the different crimes, specifically, crimes stated in the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines. In addition, the delivery of information needs to strengthen to provide more awareness to the public. A proposed action plan was formulated for the possible extension project of the College of Criminal Justice Education in the community of Brgy. Bubukal Sta Cruz, Laguna. The key findings from the focus-group discussions show that the crime such as Crimes Against National Security and Law of Nations; Crimes Against Public Order; and Crimes Against the Fundamental Law of the State; are the least aware of both group. In the delivery of Information discussed that limited access to seminars and training on crime awareness and crime prevention program and rarely conduct Focal Group Discussions.