The Editor, Sir:

One of the ways that Jamaica and Jamaicans can begin to disarm the power of the criminal element is to build a psychological profile of them and use it to see how we can stay a step ahead of them. That means we have to identify what we know of them, and we can begin with the basics.

1. Criminals operate outside the law. They can be expected to do something illegal.

2. They use fear and intimidation to get their way.

3. They do not expect someone to stand up to them.

With these three basic factors we can begin to formulate some plans on how to deal with them.

In response to number one, the citizens need to know the law and how they can apply the law to help themselves in the face of criminal conduct.

To number two, the citizenry cannot allow fear to cripple and immobilise them. The citizens must step up to the criminals and face them down.

Regarding number three, the citizens must do the unexpected. The criminals expect fear and impotence, consequently, citizens must show them the opposite. Show them boldness and lack of fear.

We have allowed the few to terrorise and immobilise us, while we continue to give them that influence. Because we have been immobilised by fear, they can then widen their circle of concern, that is, our property, our goods, our lives. Whenever anyone widens his/her circle of influence, they also widen their circle of concern.

Decent citizens can take this very principle and begin to reduce the power of the criminal element. Let each citizen identify his/her circle of influence - themselves, family and friends.

bullies of the good

Let each citizen analyse and assess what her or she can do to fight crime and do it. The citizens must become bullies of the good and for the good. Once the citizens begin to do what they can do, their circle of influence will increase, and the criminal element (circle of concern), will decrease.

However, it would be to the advantage of the citizens if the Government spent time seriously studying the profile of the criminals and what motivates them, and use this information to strip them of their power.

Both political parties are too concerned with theoretical factors and creating a façade of doing something on a large scale, when what they should be doing is encouraging the ordinary citizens to start the work in their community, at the grass-roots level, to initiate change.

I am, etc.,

GENE GIBBS

janbou00@juno.com

7248 Long Canyon Trail

Dallas, TX

Via Go-Jamaica