Crime Prevention and Response Capacities of Security Guards in Urban Commercial Hubs: Insights from Philippine Urban Commercial Hubs

Abstract

This study evaluated the capability of security guards in implementing crime prevention and violence response measures in commercial establishments across Urdaneta and Dagupan Cities, Pangasinan, Philippines. Guided by a quantitative-descriptive correlational design, the research involved 180 security personnel as respondents. Using structured questionnaires and Pearson correlation analysis, the study assessed awareness and implementation levels in three core areas: crime prevention, response to violence, and the use of security technologies. Findings revealed that security guards were “Very Aware” of crime prevention strategies (M = 4.35) and violence response protocols (M = 4.24), and “Aware” of available security technologies (M = 4.03). Implementation levels were consistently rated as “Always,” with the highest in incident response and reporting (M = 4.56), followed by monitoring and surveillance (M = 4.50), and collaboration with law enforcement agencies (M = 4.49). A significant negative correlation was found between gender and awareness of violence response protocols, and between years of experience and collaboration with law enforcement agencies. These results suggest the need for gender-responsive training and sustained engagement strategies tailored to more experienced security personnel. The findings highlight the operational competence of security guards in routine tasks, while also identifying gaps in crowd control, the use of advanced technology, and inter-agency coordination. The study recommends the development of enhanced, inclusive, and technology-integrated training programs further to professionalize private security services in urban commercial settings.