Defending People and Property: A Phenomenological Study on the Experiences of Security Personnel in Commercial Areas

The study explored the lived experiences of security officers in commercial establishments in Metro Cebu. The study delved into the positive and negative experiences, challenges encountered, and aspiration of the informants. The study used the phenomenological research design with the used of an interview guide and voice recorder. The twelve (12) informants were all agency security officers of commercial establishments in Metro Cebu. Open-ended questions and follow-up questions were used to extract in-depth narratives. The interview process comprises the individual interview and the focused group discussion (FGD). After data gathering, the participants' recorded responses were transcribed and translated using Colaizzi's methodological approach.
Eleven (11) emergent themes were developed as follows: on the positive experiences of the informants, two (2) themes are derived as follows: Experiences and Good Leadership Training Transforms Lives; and Well-Rounded Security Officer has Their Strategic Thinking for Planning And Proper Security Operation Execution. On the negative experiences, four (4) themes are derived as follows: Behavioral Conflict and Decentralized Organizational Communication Affects the Operation’s Performance; Multi Responsibilities and No Security and Safety Manual is a Dilemma in Retail and Mall Security; No Security Contract, Recruitment Standard, and Lack of Workforce are Security Agency Lapses; and Abide the RA 5487 Law and Human Rights When Making an Arrest. On the challenges encountered, three (3) theres are created as follows: Flexible Security Principles is Vulnerable in Retail and Mall Operation; Poor Decision-Making of Security Issues and Lack of Training is Cost Ineffectiveness; and Observance of Human Rights: Code of Honors and Ethics. On the informants’ aspiration, two (2) themes are created as follows: Security Profession is Noble: Be Proud; and Transform to a Better Life: Fly Like an Eagle.

criminology, commercial security, qualitative method, Philippine

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