Effects of Curfew Enforcement on Crime Trends and Patterns in Daet, Camarines Norte

Abstract

This study examined the effects of curfew enforcement on crime trends and patterns in Daet, Camarines Norte, from 2019 to 2024, focusing on information dissemination, police-community relations, crime reduction, and variations in index and non-index crimes. The study was anchored on Social Control Theory, Social Disorganization Theory, and Situational Crime Prevention Theory. It employed descriptive-comparative and exploratory research designs involving 202 respondents composed of 83 Philippine National Police personnel, 104 barangay officials, and 15 Peace and Order Council members selected through probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, non-participant observation, and documentary analysis of official crime records. Percentage, weighted mean, Analysis of Variance, and Scheffé’s test were used for data analysis. Findings showed that curfew enforcement was generally practiced “Often,” with information dissemination receiving the highest assessment, followed by police-community relations and crime reduction. No significant differences were found in perceptions of curfew enforcement across respondent groups and enforcement aspects. Crime statistics showed fluctuations from 2019 to 2024, with property-related offenses remaining a significant concern and traffic-related incidents contributing substantially to non-index crimes. Crimes against persons and the major categories of non-index crimes did not significantly differ across the examined periods, whereas property-related index crimes showed significant variations, particularly between 2019 and the succeeding years. The study concludes that curfew enforcement contributed to crime prevention but requires sustained communication, community participation, law enforcement visibility, and coordinated interventions to strengthen long-term public safety. Consequently, the SAFE DAET: Strengthening Action for a Fear-Free Environment in Daet program was proposed to integrate enforcement, community engagement, public awareness, victim support, traffic safety, and monitoring. The study supports SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting effective local governance, public safety, community participation, and institutional coordination. Its sustainability impact centers on strengthening community, policy and governance, and institutional sustainability through evidence-based and collaborative approaches to long-term peace and order.