The Editor, Sir:

The headline on yesterday's Gleaner about more than 40 unclaimed firearms really caught my attention. It is not my intent to bash the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), because it is an institution that I want to become an integral part of one day. However, it needs to find an avenue to cut down on the negative publicity that exists and put measures in place to 'look' more competent in the eyes of the public.

Turn in firearms

Based on the article, it is mandatory for firearm holders to turn in their firearms to the police for safekeeping if they go abroad, yet, through lack of accountability - in my estimation - improper record-keeping and improper handling of the weapons, more than 40 firearms cannot be traced to the appropriate owners and will be destroyed if remained unclaimed for a period of time.

The JCF's feeble attempt at defence is that the armoury is hot and because the weapons are constantly being handled when checked off, the tags dry, rot and disintegrate.

Now, over 40 individuals who left their property with the JCF for safe-keeping will not be able to reclaim. This is completely unacceptable by any standards.

If the tags are destroyed how will they know which firearm belongs to whom?

The solution is simple ... replace the tags when it becomes obvious that they are being worn, use laminated tags, or, utilise the technologies available where scannable adhesive tags are used so they can be scanned to a computer database.

If if private profit-making business organisations were to operate in this manner, they would quickly go out of business.

I am, etc.,

NADIA JONES

najaulee@yahoo.com