The Editor, Sir:

Although some Jamaicans are probably reluctant to admit that the police are being targeted by the criminal element in the country, the evidence no doubt supports that fact. However, what really puzzles me is the time it is taking the police themselves to realise this.

I find it heart-rending, and unbelievable to see the number of police officers being killed in Jamaica, and the frequency with which these callous and heartless murders are committed. Isn't Jamaica supposed to be a civilised society, or am I mistaken? How can we as a people consider ourselves civil, when we treat the people we look to for protection so badly?

As much as we feel that the police are corrupt, they are the ones we look to for help in times of trouble. They deserve to be treated a lot better. After all, they all are people and have a right to live.

Inspite of all that I have said, are the police themselves free of blame? I do not think so. Since the start of the year, there have been six police officers killed by gunmen. So, there should be some sense that they are being targeted, and should apply some protective behaviour.

The last shooting dictates that. Why was Corporal Daley on that call all by himself? It's time the police force develop and encourage a buddy system, where they move around in groups. I think their lives depend on that.

I am, etc.,

C. BENNETT

Toronto, Canada.

Via Go-Jamaica