The Editor, Sir:

For the second time in two years, the Police Service Commission will be required to appoint a new commissioner of police. It was no secret that the Government and some influential members of the private sector were unhappy with the performance of the police force in dealing with the crime situation and, as always, somebody, which usually means the commissioner of police, would have to go.

While not debating the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of the now-departed commissioner, I believe the time has come for a serious analysis of our crime situation to be carried out and solutions proffered. The Government must take the lead and stop this 'Anancy game' of blaming the police entirely for our predicament as this is disingenuous.

It is generally accepted that the causes of crime are multifaceted but still the political directorate blames the police for failing to control crime when certain aspects are beyond their control. The economic and social factors of crime are out of the control of the police.

Government responsibility

Also, if one is to believe that crime control and increasing public safety are the primary objectives of any criminal justice system and that this system is built around the police (law enforcement), courts, and correctional services, then it is the Government which has overall responsibility for these areas that have failed us.

This failure on the part of Government has arisen because of its inability to devise or implement a plan that addresses these areas as a whole and not just separately. In going forward, the Government must put forward a credible crime-control plan that involves all three areas of the criminal justice system. There must be a cohesive and cogent plan that links all three functions. This is more than merely providing the police with more vehicles, an increase in salary or a new commissioner.

Such a plan should include the following: The police being given additional manpower and legislative support, as was discussed and never agreed on at the Vale Royal talks; the convening of a bipartisan crime council with more groups which reflect the wider society; the courts being expanded, especially at the Resident Magistrate level and more judges appointed. At the correctional level, the plan to build another prison must be expedited also, the rehabilitation strategies and practices must be examined with a view of improving and managing the confinement and re-entry process of convicted persons back into society.

In essence, any crime plan being put forward by the Government must look at the criminal system, as a whole, and seek to integrate efforts in each area or else we will continue the Anancy story and game of musical chairs. Then again, I am just a lay person, what do I know?

I am, etc.,

MARK BENNETT

presbent@yahoo.com