SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600

Telefax No.: (074) 442-3071 Website: www.ubaguio.edu E-mail Address: ub@ubaguio.edu

REFLECTION PAPER
NAME JENNIFER F. GUITBA
PROGRAM PHDCJ
COURSE CODE &
PHDCJM3 (PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGEMENT)
SECTION
TOPICS Public Health and Safety & Social Justice and Equity in Public Safety
DATE OF
APRIL 14, 2024
PRESENTATION
NAME/S of
VICENTE P. NAYOSAN & GLENA C GANDALERA-ALOS
PRESENTERS
INSTRUCTOR DR. WARREN GALAS MOYAO

Introduction:

The topic I am reflecting upon is public health and safety, as well as social justice and
equity in public safety. The former focuses on the intersection of public health concerns, such as
pandemics and epidemics, with public safety responses. On the other hand, the latter topic
critically examines issues of systemic bias, racial profiling, and police brutality within the context
of public safety.
Public health and safety are crucial for protecting individuals and communities during public
health emergencies. Effective public safety responses, such as quarantine protocols and
contact tracing, can help mitigate the impact of pandemics and epidemics.
Moreover, crisis communication plays a vital role in providing timely and accurate
information to the public, addressing concerns, and promoting preventive measures. Building
community resilience is also important, as it involves empowering communities to anticipate,
respond to, and recover from public health crises. This includes strengthening healthcare
systems, promoting health literacy, and fostering social cohesion. By prioritizing public health
and safety, we can better protect and promote the well-being of individuals and communities.
On the other hand, public safety practices should be guided by principles of social justice
and equity, but issues like systemic bias, racial profiling, and police brutality persist. These
problems disproportionately affect marginalized communities and contribute to inequality.
Systemic bias refers to discriminatory practices inherent in institutions and systems, requiring
examination and change. Racial profiling targets individuals based on race or ethnicity,
damaging trust and perpetuating discrimination. Police brutality involves excessive force,
violating human rights and eroding trust.
Addressing these issues requires accountability, training, and community engagement. By
promoting social justice and equity in public safety, we can work towards a more inclusive and
just society.

Summary:

Public health and safety are intertwined, especially during times of pandemics and
epidemics. It is essential to have effective public safety responses in place to mitigate the
spread of diseases and protect the well-being of individuals and communities. This includes
implementing measures such as quarantine protocols, contact tracing, and ensuring access to
healthcare services. Crisis communication plays a vital role in providing accurate information,
addressing concerns, and promoting preventive measures. By prioritizing public health and
safety, we can safeguard the welfare of individuals and communities.
In the context of public safety, it is imperative to critically examine issues of systemic
bias, racial profiling, and police brutality. Systemic bias refers to the inherent biases and
discriminatory practices embedded within institutions and systems. This bias can lead to
unequal treatment and outcomes for individuals from different racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic
backgrounds. Addressing systemic bias requires a comprehensive evaluation of policies,
procedures, and training within law enforcement agencies to ensure fairness, accountability,
and transparency.

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 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600
Telefax No.: (074) 442-3071 Website: www.ubaguio.edu E-mail Address: ub@ubaguio.edu

Racial profiling is the practice of targeting individuals based on their race or ethnicity,
rather than their behavior or evidence of wrongdoing. This practice undermines trust between
communities and law enforcement agencies and perpetuates stereotypes and discrimination.
Strategies for promoting social justice and equity in public safety involve implementing policies
that prohibit discriminatory practices, providing cultural competency training to law enforcement
officers, and fostering community engagement and dialogue.
Police brutality is a grave violation of human rights and erodes public trust in law
enforcement. It involves the excessive use of force by police officers, resulting in injury or death.
Addressing police brutality requires holding law enforcement officers accountable for their
actions, implementing de-escalation techniques and non-violent approaches, and fostering
community partnerships to ensure that public safety is achieved through collaboration and
mutual respect.
By pondering on these topics, we can better understand the challenges and complexities
within public health and safety, as well as social justice and equity in public safety. This
understanding is crucial in developing comprehensive strategies and approaches to address
these issues and work towards a more inclusive and just society.

Analysis and Interpretation:

Analyzing the topics of public health and safety, as well as social justice and equity in
public safety, reveals their significant impact on individuals, communities, and society as a
whole.
Public health and safety are of utmost importance in safeguarding the well-being of
individuals and communities. The intersection of public health concerns, such as pandemics
and epidemics, with public safety responses highlights the need for effective measures to
mitigate the spread of diseases and protect the population. This includes crisis communication
to provide accurate information and promote preventive measures, as well as building
community resilience to enhance preparedness and response capabilities. The significance of
public health and safety is evident in their ability to save lives, maintain societal functioning, and
prevent widespread harm during public health emergencies.
On the other hand, the analysis of social justice and equity in public safety sheds light on
the systemic biases, racial profiling, and police brutality that persist within the realm of public
safety. These issues have far-reaching implications for marginalized communities, perpetuating
inequality and injustice. Addressing these concerns is vital for creating a more equitable and
inclusive society where all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity. The significance lies in
the promotion of trust, accountability, and respect within law enforcement agencies and the
fostering of positive relationships between communities and the police. By striving for social
justice and equity in public safety, we can work towards a society where everyone feels safe
and protected, regardless of their background.

Reflecting on the intersection of public health and safety with social justice and equity
resonates deeply with my personal beliefs and prior knowledge. Growing up, I've always valued
the importance of community well-being and fairness in societal systems.
In my experiences, I've witnessed the importance of prioritizing preventive measures and
effective communication in public health and safety, especially during COVID19 pandemic.
Whether through disaster relief volunteering or advocating for healthcare access in underserved
communities, I've seen the positive impact that well-coordinated public safety responses can
have on saving lives and maintaining societal stability.
Additionally, my awareness of social justice issues has grown from witnessing systemic
inequalities and injustices. These range from disparities in resources and opportunities to
instances of discrimination and police misconduct. This understanding has strengthened my
dedication to fighting for fairness and accountability within public safety systems.
In essence, these topics are crucial as they can influence our society as a whole. By
tackling public health issues and advocating for justice and equality in public safety, we can help
foster a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive society where everyone has a chance to prosper.

Connections to Course Material:

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 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600
Telefax No.: (074) 442-3071 Website: www.ubaguio.edu E-mail Address: ub@ubaguio.edu

I have learned about crisis communication and community resilience during pandemics
and epidemics. Concepts like risk communication and community engagement have been
pivotal in understanding effective strategies for disseminating information and mobilizing
community resources during health emergencies.
This highlights the importance of effective risk communication during the COVID-19
pandemic. It emphasizes that both inadequate and excessive information can lead to negative
consequences. The study of Khan, S., et. al. (2022) classifies risk communication into three
categories: inadequate, ideal, and infodemic, highlighting their impact on local perceptions and
responses. The argument is made that well-planned risk communication is crucial for disaster
management, and inclusive and engaging approaches involving communities are needed for
resilience. Overall, this underscores the significance of clear and timely communication in
managing crises and involving communities as active participants.
In sociology courses, the reflection connects to the exploration of systemic inequalities,
social structures, and discrimination. The theories of structural functionalism, conflict theory, and
symbolic interactionism shed light on disparities in healthcare and criminal justice, as well as the
influence of perceptions and interactions.
In addition, readings on social justice contribute to the reflection by offering alternative
frameworks like procedural justice and restorative justice to address inequities within public
safety systems. Personal experiences in disaster relief and healthcare advocacy reinforce the
importance of proactive and inclusive approaches in promoting public health and safety.
Recognizing systemic inequalities fuels a commitment to fairness and accountability in
public safety systems. Understanding the interconnectedness of public health, safety, and social
justice underscores the goal of contributing to an equitable and inclusive society.
In summary, this reflection integrates theories, concepts, and personal experiences to
emphasize the significance of addressing public health and safety through a social justice lens.
By combining academic knowledge and practical insights, there is a pursuit of meaningful
change and the promotion of a society that values the well-being and dignity of all individuals.

Personal Growth and Learning:

Reflecting on these topics in crisis communication, community resilience, systemic

inequalities, and social justice within public safety has been transformative. I've gained a deeper
understanding of these topics through coursework and materials.
One area of growth has been recognizing the challenges in crisis communication.
Learning about risk communication categories like inadequate, ideal, and infodemic has shown
the importance of accurate information without causing panic. This has shaped my perspective
on strategic planning and community engagement.
Additionally, studying sociological theories like structural functionalism, conflict theory,
and symbolic interactionism has expanded my awareness of systemic inequalities. I understand
how social structures and power dynamics contribute to disparities in healthcare and justice, as
well as the role of perceptions and interactions in discrimination.
Moreover, engaging with readings on social justice, including procedural justice and
restorative justice, has highlighted alternative approaches to addressing inequities in public
safety systems. I see the significance of fairness, transparency, and community empowerment.
In the context of my personal experiences in disaster relief and healthcare advocacy,
this have shown me the strength and resilience of communities. These experiences reinforce
my commitment to inclusive and proactive approaches in public health and safety.
Overall, this reflective learning journey has fostered personal growth, deepened my
dedication to social justice, and inspired me to contribute to an equitable and inclusive society.
I'm motivated to continue learning, advocating, and driving meaningful change in public safety
and beyond.

Conclusion:

There are two main topics being discussed: public health and safety, as well as social
justice and equity in public safety.
Public health and safety are closely connected, particularly during pandemics and
epidemics. Effective public safety responses, such as quarantine protocols and access to
healthcare services, are essential in mitigating the spread of diseases and protecting individuals

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 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600
Telefax No.: (074) 442-3071 Website: www.ubaguio.edu E-mail Address: ub@ubaguio.edu

and communities. Crisis communication plays a vital role in providing accurate information and
promoting preventive measures.
Meanwhile, examining issues of systemic bias, racial profiling, and police brutality is
crucial in promoting social justice and equity within public safety. Addressing systemic bias
requires evaluating policies, procedures, and training to ensure fairness and accountability.
Racial profiling undermines trust between communities and law enforcement, necessitating
policies that prohibit discrimination and promote cultural competency. Additionally, addressing
police brutality requires accountability measures and the adoption of non-violent approaches to
law enforcement.
Hence, reflecting on these topics enhances our understanding of the challenges in public
health and safety and social justice within public safety. This understanding guides the
development of comprehensive strategies for a more inclusive and just society.

References (if applicable):

Khan, S., Mishra, J., Ahmed, N., Onyige, C. D., Lin, K. H. E., Siew, R., & Lim, B. H. (2022, May
1). Risk communication and community engagement during COVID-19. International Journal of
Disaster Risk Reduction. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.102903

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