THE EDITOR, Madam:
NOW THAT we have brought crime to the centre of everyone's attention, we are now left to anticipate what will be the next move.
The great public outcry came not only with criticism of those in charge now, but also with a few suggestions, the two main ones being:
The replacement of the present Minister of National Security & Justice and the Commissioner of Police. Some have even suggested that PM Patterson be removed as well.
While those who oversee failure should indeed be asked to vacate their position, especially when adequate time has been given for success, it creates another problem, that of replacement; and whether the replacements will be able to really influence change on the crime scene.
Jamaica is not just having an upsurge in criminal activities; Jamaica is constantly plagued by a crime problem that can only be described as structural. Many will tell you that for the past three decades the crime situation in Jamaica has been much worse than it should be.
Given the structural nature of the problem, it is difficult, maybe impossible to see how a change in personnel, without a fundamental change in our systematic approach to the problem, will succeed.
The way forward must include the following:
1. A complete reorganisation of the policing method used by the Jamaica Constabulary. This new Force should focus on community relationships.
2. A dedication and commitment from the government to remove itself from the policing process. This means that the Police should operate totally free of governmental influence, and the top brass of the Force should be left to succeed or fail.
3. All efforts should be made to improve the conditions under which police are asked to work. police stations must reflect the seriousness of the job carried out by those working there. They must be spacious, clean and cool. The job of being a Police is already very demanding, let us not make life more difficult by asking them to work in sub-standard buildings.
4. Continuous training of the Police, focusing not only on the ways to shoot accurately and deadly, but on the important issue of human rights and justice. This is crucial if the Police are to ever again gain the confidence of the people of our wonderful land.
As a people we have seen too many of our brothers and sisters treated like dogs, boxed and kicked and shouted at by the Police. This must end now. Not only for those living above HWT (it used to be Cross Roads!), but also for those living in Trench Town, Tivoli, Jungle, Rema, Matthews Lane, Back Bush, Windward Road, Nannyville and all those other communities that are tabooed with vulgarity, crudeness and violence.
May God bless us as we seek to make our land the happiest place to live.
I am etc.,
GIBBO
E-mail:
gibboj_98@yahoo.com
Garden City, New York
Via Go-Jamaica
