LEVEL OF PROFICIENCY OF THE POLICE OFFICERS IN THE USE OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO PREVENT AND SOLVE CRIMES IN LUCENA CITY

This study aimed to determine level of proficiency of the police officers in the use of new technologies to prevent and solve crimes in Lucena City. The gathering of data was conducted inLucena Police Stationlocated at Allarey St. Lucena City beside the old City hall of Lucenaand the researchers utilized the descriptive-survey method of research. A total of 20 respondents answered the questionnaire composed of 13 police officers and 7 CCTV operators. Findings revealed thatrespondents perceived that the use of the new technologies and that additional technology are needed in their department, new technologies are necessary in police work and they said that they found the new technologies user friendly. Since the Lucena Police Station is concerned with the prevention and the safety of its people and community, it is necessary that they are proficient and skillful enough in using new technologies in order for them to utilize the full capabilities of new equipments they had and of their personnel.