The Editor, Sir:

I must commend the Police Service Commission for selecting an outsider to be the next police commissioner.

One of the first priorities of this commissioner must be to appoint a board to investigate those cops who are presumed to be corrupt and who prey on innocent people for the betterment of their families and friends. Nowhere in the world has such behaviour been so openly displayed with so little action taken by those in the police hierarchy than in Jamaica.

Obviously, unless this task is made a priority for the new commissioner, it is fair to assume that the crime rate in our beloved country will continue to escalate, and more and more innocent people will suffer the consequences. Secondly, this new commissioner needs to dissociate himself from any political affiliation, because one of the reasons for the escalation of crime, in past administrations, was the link that was created between both entities, which saw the police hierarchy succumbing to the Government.

Finally, in order to reduce crime in Jamaica, an amnesty programme must be introduced. This programme may be costly, but must be implemented in stages, and should include both the holders of licensed and unlicensed firearms.

I do not believe that all licensed gunholders are qualified enough to own a firearm. We need to raise the standards to own a firearm. These standards must specify the need, monetary net worth of the potential owner, and a criminal background check.

I am, etc.,

Dr. MICHAEL THOMPSON

mthompson@aol.com