Workworld of Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) Investigators in Norppo, Philippines

The primary objective of this study was to explore and understand the lived experiences of police officers serving as Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) Investigators within the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOrPPO). The study placed particular emphasis on how these investigators navigate the complexities of handling sensitive cases, seeking justice for vulnerable sectors, and performing their duties within a specialized legal and social framework.

This study employed a phenomenological–transcendental research design to capture the distinct features of the informants’ lived experiences as specialized investigators. Ten (10) WCPD investigators served as informants and were chosen through purposive sampling, satisfying the predetermined qualifications of the study. Of these, six participated in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), while four took part in an In-Depth Interview (IDI). The research was conducted across selected stations under the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOrPPO). The research instruments included an informed consent form, a transmittal letter, and a validated interview guide.

The study identified nine (9) emergent themes categorized into three core areas of the informants' professional lives. The Positive Experiences were encapsulated in the themes: Deriving Satisfaction from Justice and Achieving Professional Success Milestones. In contrast, the Negative Experiences and obstacles faced were defined by: Victim Hesitancy Barriers and External Intimidation Pressures. To address these challenges, the investigators relied on Coping Mechanisms categorized under: Family Support Systems and Professional Emotional Objectivity. Finally, the Aspirations of the informants to improve service quality centered on three themes: Advanced Trauma-Informed Training, Inter-Agency Collaboration Linkages, and Consistent Legal Refreshers.

The study recommends that the Philippine National Police (PNP) prioritize the institutionalization of trauma-informed investigative protocols and provide regular legal symposiums to keep investigators abreast of evolving jurisprudence. It further advocates for the strengthening of multi-sectoral partnerships (DOH, DSWD, and NGOs) to mitigate victim hesitancy and the establishment of dedicated mental health programs for investigators to maintain emotional objectivity. Moreover, the study underscores the need for localized support systems within NOrPPO to shield investigators from external pressures, ensuring the integrity of the "work world" for those protecting women and children.

Work World, WCPD Investigators, Phenomenological-Transcendental Research Design

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