THE EDITOR, Sir:

Peter Espeut in his article 'The big test of government' (October 3), used the analogy of the student and the teacher as it relates to tolerance and discipline.

He commented that he learned the hard way that if he began badly by being too lenient, he would suffer with disciplinary problems throughout the school year.

It is also a fact that if children are in the habit of behaving in a certain way, and are allowed to get away with it, then there will be strong resistance to any form of change, even though it would be in their best interest.

Is there any difference, therefore, between the Government and the police as it relates to the job of cleaning up the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)?

Who to fear

Espeut also commented that previous governments have been afraid to bring the police to book because they have wanted to curry favour with them. So, who were the previous governments?

And if the governments were afraid to bring the police to book, why were they afraid? And what volcanic change has taken place to make them fear any less?

The ball is in the court of the new Minister of Security, he said, but does he have a new police force?

Our history is replete with police abuses - ask the Rastafarians, DJs and dub poets. They have told and are telling their side of the story, but they remain just songs and poems.

The police, for a long time, have become very powerful because of the nature of their job. You have to go to them for almost everything, and because of the position they hold, they are vulnerable to corruption and are also able to cover their tracks. So, even though they swear to uphold the law, they can break it when it suits them.

Reconciliation time

Governments are made up of individuals as is the police force. They all have knowledge of the causes and the solutions to the abuses.

Broadcaster Anthony Abrahams has expressed it many times on his radio programme - truth and reconciliation will help in the healing process. But nobody wants to go there; there is too much to lose.

The answer lies in a big way with the police. They are the 'real big men' because it would appear that they have the authority and the citizens' hands are held high. The dilemma for the citizen is that he has no one to protect his back.

I am, etc.,

JOY FRASER

Kingston