THE EDITOR, Sir:

I listened intently to the January 2 television interview between the Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin and CVM's Garfield Burford, and felt that my earlier favourable impression of the new crime chief was totally justified. One got the feeling that the commissioner knows and understands the nature and enormity of the national security challenge in sorely embattled Jamaica, and that he wanted to do something about it.

While it is early days yet, with all that we have heard from the commissioner so far, it is not difficult to conclude that he is fearless, resolute, principled, competent, unafraid to make tough decisions and he is not for sale. With this combination, the initial resentment and lack of enthusiasm from within the force which met the meritorious appointment of yet another 'military' commissioner is likely to give way to confidence and support from the officer corps and rank-and-file members.

As we wish , for our own sakes, the very best for the commissioner and his team, as they take on this most difficult job. below are just a few caveats from an inexhaustible list that he would do well to consider:

Things to consider

1. Don't set a low bar

Set big hairy and audacious goals (BHAG). A few years ago, an otherwise hard-working/affable former Commissioner Lucius Thomas set a disappointingly target of five per cent in murder reductions for that particular year. This meant a planned reduction from 1,600 reported murders to just over 1,500. This tokenism should never be accepted by any self-respecting country. A waiting nation needs to know that an audacious assault is going to be unleashed against lawlessness to arrest the runaway murder rate. In the current scenario, Jamaicans will rally around a credible, ambitious and bold anti-crime plan, even if it is not 100 per cent successful in the end.

2. Don't fail to enforce

You have a great opportunity to send the right signals. Unbelievably, we have just weathered an 'in your face' deluge of illicit firecrackers, purportedly in celebration of a new year. There are bleating sound systems everywhere, flying in the face of the Noise Abatement Act. The indignity of having ganja smoke copiously puffed in one's face at any major football or entertainment event, often in full view of police officers, makes a mockery of our pretence of being subject to the rule of law. Mr. Commissioner, if we get it right in small areas, only then can we reasonably expect to tackle the more brutal manifestations of lawlessness such as murder.

3. Don't be hasty to close down police stations

While the need to increase on-the-ground visibility of otherwise station-bound officers is understood, please understand the strong psychological deterrent to criminality that a strategically placed, visible and accessible police station provides. For many, it is also a veritable centre of refuge when the going gets rough. It would be a mistake to remove or close them down. It would be better to renovate, upgrade and equip them with the resources necessary to more meaningfully impact the communities involved, even as a stronger police presence is effected. Also, there is need to consider where else a police station and/or sustained presence is necessary.

It is hoped that our commissioner will take heed. Jamaica is depending on you.

I am, etc.,

WATCHING

wat.ching@yahoo.com

Kingston 6