RISK FACTOR AND CONSEQUENCES OF CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW AS PERCEIVED BY LAW ENFORCERS

This study aimed to determine the risk factor and consequences of children in conflict with the law as perceived by law enforcers. The gathering of data was conducted inLucena City and Pagbilao Quezon. The researchers utilized the descriptive-survey method of research. A total of 50 respondents answered the questionnaire by the police officers. Findings revealed that risk factors and consequences of children in conflict with the law, the respondents said that the children in conflict the law (CICL) may experience maltreatment from his/her victim when he/she is not immediately secured by his/her apprehending officer from them. They also said that CICL may have a traumatic experience from his/her apprehending officer when not properly treated arrest and lack of participation and knowledge of the CICL on the preventive measures for them to understand their responsibilities under the law and help them avoid and conduct. Meanwhile, in terms of strategies used by the police officers to handle children in conflict with law (CICL), the respondents said that police officer who handles the CICL explains thoroughly to his/her reason why he/she was arrested and police officer handling CICL upon initial contact identifies himself to the child properly. Those police officers when arresting children in conflict with the law ensure that his/her firearm or deadly weapon is not displayed openly so that development of fear may be avoided. Since the problems encountered by the police officers in handling children in conflict with law, the respondents said that minors are exposed to further exploitation by criminals. Basic needs of CICL such as food and toiletries are reported to be limited owing to low budgetary allocation and they said that problem of barangay officials who do not their duties and responsibilities to CICL.