The Editor, Sir:

It was rather refreshing listening to the new commissioner of police on the CVM TV current affairs programme 'Direct' on January 2, 2008. With this new commissioner, many remain hopeful that through his leadership there will be a reduction in the country's escalating crime rate. As I listened to him highlighting the need to increase the members of the JCF, I was feeling concern. For too long, the JCF and by extension, the Government, have invested in quantity as opposed to the quality of persons they employ to join the force. I believe this ought to be seriously reviewed.

It is important that it be realised that police work has changed over the years; there was a time when there was no concern regarding the level of education as there was not much to do, as back then, citizens were law-abiding, the crime rate was minimal and people were respectful, including police officers.

There have been many questionable police killings over the years, with very little being done to correct this. I share the commissioner's point that the ground commander should be held responsible for his subordinates' actions.

Little public assistance

Until there is a serious evaluation and restructuring of the force, then, we will continue to have a high crime rate because the police and the citizens who are able to assist in the solving and reduction of crime have great difficulty forging a relationship with each other. Members of the JCF cannot continue to enter into com-munities, or anywhere for that matter, and address citizens as 'gals' and 'bwoys'; people want to feel respected.

If we are serious about solving/ reducing crime, we must first start with the JCF, who needs to be properly trained in interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, psy-chology and an understanding of the socio-cultural and socio-political make-up of the communities they serve. I may very well be told that such training is being done. If this is the case, then, it is clear that it is not being assimilated, hence a review is necessary.

Finally, there is no question that being a police officer in 21st century Jamaica demands that they have the necessary people skill, are educated, intelligent and analytical. Until this is achieved we will continue to live in fear of crime.

I am, etc.,

CHERYL DWYER

cheryl.dwyer@uwimona.edu.jm

cheryl.elaine@yahoo.co.uk