Molders of Public Servants: Work World of Patrolwomen as Tactical Police Non-Commissioned Officers at Police Regional Training Center 7

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to explore and understand the lived experiences of neophyte patrolwomen serving as Tactical Police Non-Commissioned Officers at Police Regional Training Center 7 (PRTC 7), with particular emphasis on how they perform their roles as molders of future public servants within a disciplined institutional setting.

This study employed a phenomenological–transcendental research design to capture the distinct features of the informants’ lived experiences as neophyte trainers. Ten patrolwomen served as informants and were chosen through purposive sampling, as they satisfied the predetermined qualifications of the study. Of these, six participated in the Focus Group Discussion (FGD), while four took part in the In-Depth Interview (IDI). The research was conducted at Police Regional Training Center 7, Camp Jesse M. Robredo, Sitio Laray, Barangay Jugan, Consolacion, Cebu. The research instruments included an informed consent form, a transmittal letter, and a validated interview guide.

This study was able to draw nine (9) emergent themes out from the significant statements of the informants. The positive experiences were encapsulated in the themes: Bastion of Transformation, Fruit of Dedicated Labor, and The Reciprocity of Knowledge and Growth. In contrast, the negative experiences of the informants were incorporated in the themes: Facing the Music of Scarcity and Pedagogical Challenges Amidst Resource Scarcity. On the other hand, the coping strategies revealed two (2) themes: Collaborative Resilience and Peer-Mediated Support Systems and Penny for a Thought. Lastly, the aspirations of the informants unravels two (2) themes: Education the Indomitable Force and The Catalyst for Transformative Instruction.

This study recommends the enhancement of policing functions through the Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC), the provision of inclusive access to role-specific training, and the improvement of classroom facilities to support optimal learning. It further advocates for the augmentation of training personnel, the promotion of psychological health and overall well-being of neophyte trainers, and greater emphasis on the role of mentorship in trainers’ professional growth. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of work–life balance in the professional lives of trainers and highlights the influence of technological adaptation on their performance and development.