Problems and Coping Strategies Experienced by the Private Security Guards in Cagayan de Oro City

The study aimed to 1) explore the problems of private security guards in line with their duty; and 2) determine the coping strategies used by them. The study was conducted through the descriptive research design utilizing the qualitative techniques. According to Thomas and Nelson (2001) a descriptive research design describes the status of existing conditions. The study was done in Cagayan de Oro City. The respondents were composed of twenty (20) security guards who worked in private establishments. The purposive sampling was used with the following bases of selection: a) must have at least 2 years of experience; b) the place of work is in Cagayan de Oro City; and c) must be assigned as private security guards in banks, hotels, restaurants, pawnshops, insurance companies, malls, and schools. The data were gathered through a personal interview. The gathering of data started after the permission to conduct study was approved by the Dean of the College of Law Enforcement and Public Safety of Liceo de Cagayan University. The gathered data were organized, presented, analyzed and interpreted through a matrix format, frequency counts, and ranking of frequencies. The private security guards’ job is beset with many problems which could be on customer relations, vagrants, security equipment, life risks, communication skills, roving, and insufficient salary. However, they ensured their best they could cope with all the problems they encounter. Their coping strategies in dealing with their problems are done in positive and optimistic approaches. These include being alert all the time, conduct roving regularly, self-discipline, conforming to policies, establish good human relations, and enhance communication techniques. They also consider the PNP as their partners in their work in the sense that they rely on their assistance in all cases that they cannot handle.

 

Keywords: Problems, Coping Strategies, Private Security Guards