Beyond the Gates: Voices of Residents on Public Safety and Security

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore the residents lived experiences and perceptions. Participants were purposively selected and interviewed through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The gathered data were transcribed and analyzed thematically through systematic coding and categorization to identify core themes. The study pursued three main inquiries: lived experiences, strategies employed by local authorities, and insights shared by the participants regarding the benefits and challenges experienced by communities. Based on the understanding the lived experiences it revealed that residents experienced incidents of theft, disturbances, and poor lighting but responded through collective vigilance and cooperation. Concerning the strategies employed by the residents showed that participants viewed patrol visibility, curfew enforcement, and surveillance systems as effective but inconsistently implemented. Regarding the insights shared by the participants, residents emphasized the need for consistent enforcement, stronger community engagement, and infrastructure improvement to maintain public safety.