Behind the Badge: The Challenges and Triumphs of Cebu City’s Forensic Investigators

This study explores the experiences of forensic investigators in Cebu City, focusing on their rewarding and challenging encounters, coping methods, and the consequent impacts on their duties. Using a phenomenological approach, the qualitative research involved interviews with ten forensic examiners who had at least five years of experience as police investigators. From their responses, ten emergent themes were identified. Rewarding experiences were categorized into three themes: Happy to be of Service to Others, Justice is Served, and Financial Rewards through Dedicated Services. Conversely, unpleasant experiences were summarized into three themes: Time Constraints on Family, Logistics Concerns, and Occupational Hazards. Coping strategies resulted in two themes: Multitasking is the Key and Exercise Initiative, while the impacts on duty performance were identified as Charting Responsibility by Means of Forging Expertise and Strategic Resilience. The study advocates for implementing support systems within forensic investigation agencies, including resources to manage time constraints, address logistical concerns, enhance resilience, and promote proactive initiatives. These findings offer insights into the diverse experiences of forensic investigators in Cebu City, highlighting the need for better organizational support to facilitate their effective contribution to justice.