The Editor, Sir:

The prime minister's statement that the crime plan is the purview of the commissioner of police leaves me quite uneasy, because it is well known that crime is a multi-dimensional creature - the result or manifestation of unemployment, poverty, lack of self-esteem, poor living conditions, covetousness, laziness, to name a few.

Developing a crime plan that will take all the contributing factors into consideration will require the input of a number of institutions/competencies, which do not reside in the police force. It cannot be a purely reactive plan, but must include initiatives that will present an alternative and viable lifestyle to the young men/women who are caught in this whirlwind of fight for power, understanding, justice, and to be regarded and treated as valued members of the society.

Resources lacking

We do not have the resource base in the police force at this time to deal with interventions over which it does not have control and/or support. This country needs a vision or philosophy for crime prevention/management, which is the responsibility of the Government/Ministry of National Security. This is where the goals will be set (long, medium, short).

It is out of this goal setting that the commissioner will then be able to develop his operational plan.

I challenge the prime minister to engage the resource base he has available in this country, including the perpetrators of the crime and violence as partners, in fulfilling his dream for a better Jamaica. This is where the buck stops!

I am, etc.,

MAIVE WIGGAN

Kingston