Authors : Dr. Jan Vincent S. Carmen

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4shmdkdx

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3rffh9dh

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24JUN199

Abstract : This study aimed to assess the implementation of COVID-19 health protocols by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) at Manila City Jail and to determine the impact of the pandemic on Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) and jail officers in terms of family, psychological, physical, and infrastructure factors. The study involved 50 PDLs and 50 jail officers, and used a quantitative research approach. The findings revealed that the BJMP had strictly implemented COVID-19 health protocols within the jail, such as mandatory mask-wearing, temperature checks, social distancing, and sanitization measures. However, the COVID-19 outbreak still significantly impacted the PDLs and jail officers. In terms of family, the pandemic caused high levels of fear for the safety of family members, affected family relationships, and limited visitation and communication. Psychologically, the respondents experienced high levels of worry about the virus spreading due to overcrowding, and feeling scared of potential COVID-19 symptoms. Regarding physical and infrastructure factors, the jail had insufficient hygiene supplies and poor environmental conditions that increased virus transmission. While there were substantial differences between PDLs and jail officers in their assessments of the pandemic's impact on family, no significant differences were found in their psychological and physical/infrastructure assessments. The study recommends that the BJMP continue implementing strict health protocols, provide peer support networks and counseling services to address mental health, and organize regular sanitization campaigns to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases within the jail. Overall, the findings highlight the significant challenges faced by PDLs and jail officers during the pandemic, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to protect the health and well-being of these vulnerable groups.

Keywords : Impact, COVID-19 Protocols, Jail Officers, Person Deprived of Liberty.

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