EXCLUSION STRATEGIES IN THE REPRESENTATION OF SOCIAL ACTORS IN THEFT-RELATED POLICE BLOTTERS

This study analyzes the exclusionary discourse strategies used in theft-related police blotters in a police station in Region V, Philippines, applying Theo van Leeuwens (2014) Representation of Social Actors framework. Using qualitative document analysis under the lens of critical discourse analysis of 33 police blotter narratives, the research identified the frequent use of suppression and backgrounding through nominalization, passivation, and agent/object exclusion. These linguistic patterns reflect institutional tendencies to obscure the roles of suspects, victims, and duty investigators, favoring depersonalized and bureaucratic reporting. While aimed at neutrality, such practices may compromise transparency and accountability in crime documentation. The study recommends integrating discourse awareness and actor representation in police writing training and calls for further research into inclusion strategies to strengthen justice-oriented communication.