Fifth Pillar –

COMMUNITY
 - refers to institutions, government and non-government agencies and people’s
organizations that provide care and assistance to the victims or offended party, during and
after the onset of a victims’ rights case.
Role of the Community
The primary role of the community is to accept an individual for treatment and
continuous rehabilitation by way of giving the ex-convict another chance to live in the
community as a free and normal citizen.
A mobilized community means the involvement of people’s organizations, non-
government organizations (NGOs), Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Bureau of Local Government
Supervision (BLGS), Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB),
Public Assistance Reaction Against Crime (PARAC), and other government institutions are
geared toward the promotion of socioeconomic welfare.
 The success of the Criminal Justice System, specifically the community pillar, is
based on the role performances of the following:

1. The FAMILY
A family is the basic social institution. The first teacher of a child is his/her parents
or guardians.

2. The BARANGAY
The barangay must likewise exercise its lawful functions in monitoring all the
residents within its jurisdiction, especially those who are engaged in criminal activities.

3. The SCHOOLS
Teachers are considered as the second parents of the students. They must
incorporate in their teaching the importance of law obedience and the implication or
consequences of violating the law.
4. The GOVERNMENT
Government officials must provide opportunities for reformed and rehabilitated offenders. Without
these opportunities, it is difficult to have an assurance that these persons will remain to act as
rehabilitated and reformed offenders.

5. The PRIVATE SECTORS (NGO’s)

The private sector is important in our community since it provides jobs to people. Private companies
and businesses must not hesitate to employ reformed and rehabilitated offenders especially if they are
qualified.

6. The CHURCH
It cannot be denied that faith is a very important aspect to a person’s life. Regardless of sect
affiliation, people believe that there is a God and will likewise be afraid to commit any crime.

7. The MASS MEDIA

Mass media nowadays is very powerful. Through its variety pof modes (print, radio, TV, the web,
etc.), it possess the power of information and communication with people. Hence, they may use this
power by providing information to the public about the disadvantages of commission of crimes.
Witness Protection
Members of the community are bound by duty to identify the offenders, give data
about the illegal activities and cohorts of the criminals, and volunteer as witnesses.
A witness to crime should be protected by the state from reprisals and from
economic dislocation.

Police-Community Relations
- the sum total of the dealing of the police officers with the people they serve and
whose goodwill and cooperation they seek to ensure the greatest possible efficiency in
public service.