In order for a civilian-police force to play an active and effective role in law enforcement, the important groundwork of stronger community policing must be laid. Most citizens of inner cities or poor neighbourhoods in Jamaica don't trust the police. The fear of reprisal is also enough to keep people in volatile communities from working with the police. It is this mistrust and fear that must be defeated if the country is to move forward with an effective civilian-police force.

This is why Government and the police must start by strengthening and sustaining strong community partnerships across Jamaica. Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force and citizens must build relationships, build on mutual respect, understanding and trust. We all know that when residents are afraid to leave their homes, the streets are available to gangs and other criminals.

In some ways, fear of crime can undermine a community as badly as crime itself. Community police personnel create a sense of security by being proactive and seeking the input of residents. When citizens can communicate their fears to law enforcement, police can proactively address the causes of those fears.

Timely intervention

Community policing stresses prevention, early identification, and timely intervention to deal with issues before they become unwieldy problems. Individual personnel tend to function as general-purpose practitioners who bring together both Government and private resources to achieve results.

Police personnel are encouraged to spend considerable time and effort in developing and maintaining personal relationships with citizens, businesses, schools, churches and other community organisations. Community policing does not offer a quick fix. The solution to the crime problem in Jamaica will take a large number of individuals and a long time to achieve. Before that can happen, there must be a strong commitment. It is important to remember this isn't just a policing issue, but one the whole community needs to look at and take responsibility for.

I sincerely believe that these steps will help in the process of putting together an effective civilian reserve unit across Jamaica. This is the time for all of us to come together and give our best to the survival of our country.

I am, etc.,

Neville Carnegie

USA