Criminal Investigation Competencies of Police Personnel in the Province of Cagayan: Input to an Innovative Medium-Term Development Plan

Abstract

This study assessed the criminal investigation competencies of police personnel in the Province of Cagayan as input to an innovative medium-term development plan. It employed a descriptive-comparative research design with 90 respondents composed of investigators, first responders, and prosecutors/judges. A researcher-made questionnaire validated by experts and tested for reliability was used, and data were analyzed using weighted mean, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U test. Findings revealed that investigators were generally moderately competent in investigative procedure, legal knowledge, oral and written communication, and training and equipment, while critical thinking and decision-making was rated very competent. Challenges were assessed as moderately serious, particularly in information gathering, interview and interrogation, instrumentation, and crime scene processing. No significant differences were found among respondent groups in competencies, challenges, and perceived necessity of interventions. All suggested interventions were rated very necessary, indicating strong support for training, communication, legal knowledge, and technological enhancement. The study concludes that investigation performance is functional but constrained by limited resources and uneven technical capacity, requiring system-wide professional development. It also highlights that the three respondent groups shared similar perceptions, indicating a consistent assessment of investigative practices across operational and judicial perspectives. Results further emphasize the need for enhanced forensic capacity, improved coordination, and continuous professional training to address identified gaps in investigation. of criminal investigation practices in the province.