THE EDITOR, Sir:

One could not be faulted to think that one of the more crippling aspects of criminal behaviour on the Jamaican psyche is not just the alarming data, but rather that nothing workable and sustainable ever seems to be on the horizon.

The Gravel Heights nightmare is a frightening confirmation of this truth. The murderous criminals in this country were able to issue death treats to decent, law-abiding citizens not because they are brave and courageous, but rather because they know without the shadow of a doubt that the agency whose responsibility it is to apprehend them is impotent and devoid of true leadership.

It is the same conviction which motivated a gunman to murder a woman in the heart of Half-Way Tree, with the police station less than 300 metres away; likewise, the shooting death of a man in the Spanish Town plaza and the killing of the newspaper vendor in Montego Bay, all in broad daylight and close to police stations.

Amazing

It is more than amazing that serious crimes have been a thorn in the country's side for decades, yet to date the country has not witnessed any creative approach or initiative emanating from the security forces.

All that is coming out of the police is that recycled excuse that more citizen cooperation is needed to solve crime. While the help of citizens is needed to solve crime, it must be remembered that the existence of difficulty in the execution of one's task is no reason not to get the job done. If the police officers are convinced that the cooperation of citizens is so crucial to the fight against crime but is not forthcoming, maybe they should consider resigning en bloc.

Proposals

Our failure over the years to speak frankly about the terrible inefficiencies and lack of creative thinking associated with the Jamaica Constabulary Force is a direct contributor to its near irrelevance. In light of this, the following recommendations should given due consideration:(a) Each new police officer must have a minimum of a first degree, with the ability to think creatively and strategically, and whose specialised area of training will be in cutting-edge investigating techniques.

(b) Each commanding officer must be given a mandate that unless 70 per cent of crimes committed in his division is cleared up there is no chance of promotion or pay increase. (Is it the solving of committed crimes that is going to serve as the major deterrent to the committing of new crimes?)

(c) Each homicide must be assigned to a specific officer, with the clear understanding that its resolution is his responsibility, within specific time frame.

(d) Every officer from the rank of inspector up who does not posses the requisite skills and competence to function within a result-oriented organisation should be redeployed.

The leadership of the police force needs to be decisive, not in crisis.

I am, etc.,

CASHLEY BROWN

Cashleybrown.investorschoice@

cwjamaica.com