In observance of the 19th National Crime Prevention Week, the Task Force Safe Schools (TFSS), a collaboration of three schools—De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), St. Scholastica’s College, Manila, and De La Salle University-Manila—held a seminar entitled The Role of the Public in Community Policing in the DLSU Br. Andrew Gonzales building last September 27.

The guest speaker of the seminar was Dr. Rodolfo “Boyet” Sebastian, a doctorate graduate of Philosophy who majored in Criminology of the Philippine College of Criminology.

The seminar focused on the concept of community policing, which as defined by the Community Oriented Policing Services Office, is “a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies, which support the systematic use of [community-police] partnerships and problem-solving techniques, to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.”

“We have to realize that we cannot really control or just prevent the commitment of crimes,” shared Dr. Sebastian. According to him, law enforcement and community members both have important roles in community policing.

Dr. Sebastian also suggested ways on how to be involved in community crime-reduction such as holding community meetings and creating neighbourhood watch groups.

“This seminar has challenged us to work better in terms of increasing our volunteerism,” shared DLS-CSB Chancellor for Lasallian Mission and Student Life, Ms. Carmela Lazatin. “We look forward for many more activities and opportunities to strengthen our relationship with the TFSS.”

Along with the schools’ heads and security personnel, the seminar was also attended by representatives from our neighbouring Barangays 756, 760-82, 43, 709, 708, 744.

Photos by Gerard del Mundo