THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON FRIDAY, May 27, I was invited by personnel from the Cross Roads Police Station to come by and share with them as they paid respect to the police officer who was killed when the station was attacked in early May. Without hesitation I agreed and turned up as promised.
To my surprise, not only was there a sound system (going at full blast), but also a band from
a funeral home (they wore shirts indicating this). So loud was the sound system that it kept triggering the alarms of several vehicles, including mine which was parked some distance away. There was a vibrant game of dominoes taking place, and I assumed by police officers, a lot of hard and soft drinks was available, a large pot of soup was being shared, while other pots at different stages of preparation was on fire (pun intended); a general air of festivity permeated the station.
As I shared thoughts with a colleague, we reflected on the fact that only one uniformed officer (a constable) was identifiable, and pondered the fate of anyone urgently needing the assistance of the station at that time. The conclusion was that the station must be most ineffective under those conditions.
While we have no problem showing our support and sympathy to the police under circumstances such as the unfortunate death of a colleague, I am firmly of the opinion that a police station is no place for a 'wake', regardless of the circumstances by which death is caused. I submit that it is disruptive to the orderly functioning of the station and sends the wrong message. It tells the public in a subtle way that police business is more important than that of the public. Mr. Commissioner, please put a stop to this practice.
I am, etc.,
WAKE WATCHER
Kingston 5
