STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF CAMPUS SECURITY PERSONNEL COMPETENCIES AND SAFETY MEASURES: A DESCRIPTIVE-CORRELATIONAL STUDY AT A PHILIPPINE STATE UNIVERSITY

Ensuring a safe and secure learning environment is fundamental to fostering academic achievement and student well-being in higher education. This study investigates the perceptions of students at a State University regarding the competencies of campus security personnel and the effectiveness of the university’s safety measures. Grounded in Social Cognitive Theory and Protection Motivation Theory, the research explores the relationship between students' demographic profiles and their perceptions of campus security in terms of public relations, training and professionalism, emergency response, use of security equipment, and knowledge of legal authority. The study employs a descriptive-correlational research design and utilizes a validated and pilot-tested survey questionnaire administered to 120 stratified student respondents. Findings reveal consistently high to very high levels of student perception regarding both the competencies of security personnel and the effectiveness of campus safety measures. Demographic factors such as sex, course, college, and year level significantly influence these perceptions. Correlational analysis confirms statistically significant relationships between select demographic variables and perceptions in key security domains. The study highlights the importance of competency-based training, effective communication, and student engagement in enhancing campus safety. It concludes with strategic recommendations to strengthen visibility, trust, and responsiveness among security personnel, thereby fostering a more secure and inclusive university environment.