Social Media as Tool in Committing Crimes as Perceived by the Philippine National Police

This study determined that social media is a tool for committing crimes as perceived by the Philippine National Police. The objectives are to identify the different social media sites usually used in committing crimes, assess ways in which social media is used as a tool in committing the crime and determine measures to prevent the use of social media in committing crimes. The researchers applied the descriptive survey method and used of survey questionnaire administered to the respondents. The study was conducted at San Narciso, Mulanay and Catanauan, Quezon Province. This study was focused on the perspective of the members of the Philippine National Police, especially the police officers assigned to officers. They are the one who has first-hand information and experience in this study. The study used Frequency Count and Percentage Technique and Weighted Mean and Ranking Technique. The sampling design used in this study was purposive sampling. This study revealed the majority of the respondents were aged 31 to 40 years old, mostly males, with one to five years in service, and the majority were on the rank of Patrol Man/ Patrol Woman. This also revealed that Facebook was the most used social media platform used and visited. Furthermore, this study found that offenders' ways in social media in committing crimes were links that have viruses that can affect your computer software system. Lastly, the study revealed that we must avoid downloading unknown or unfamiliar applications. With, these the researchers recommended for the Philippine National Police should provide a Seminar Training Workshop to those police officers to enhance their knowledge and skills in social media crimes. They can invite digital forensics experts who had expertise in gathering evidence from digital systems that can be used in the prosecution of internet-based, or cyberspace and criminal activity to assist people in the community.