The Pressures and Predicaments of Campus Security Forces in Public Elementary Schools: Safe and Sound

Abstract

Campus security is fundamental in creating a safe and conducive learning environment, with security personnel serving as frontliners in preventing unauthorized activities and maintaining order. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the challenges, preventative measures, and lessons learned by school security personnel in upholding campus safety in selected elementary schools in Davao Oriental. Using a phenomenological approach, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with seven school-based security guards. Thematic analysis of the data revealed three major themes: challenges in upholding campus safety, including breaches of school rules, miscommunication, and lack of awareness; preventative measures such as conducting security checks, enforcing strict guidelines, and holding policy orientations; and key insights, including the need for strict compliance, continuous improvement, and cultivating a culture of safety. The study emphasizes that maintaining campus safety is a shared responsibility involving not only security personnel but also school leaders, staff, parents, and learners. The findings offer practical implications for strengthening school security systems and highlight the importance of consistent policy enforcement and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Future studies are encouraged to examine the long-term impact of these measures and explore innovative strategies for promoting secure yet welcoming educational environments.