THE MAJORITY of people interviewed in a recent poll feel that Police Commissioner Francis Forbes should keep his job, despite the high level of crime and violence in the society.
Conducted between Septe-mber 4 and 14 by Don Anderson and his team from Market Research Services Ltd., the poll found that more than 56 per cent of the 1,000 persons interviewed did not want the police chief to be replaced. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus three per cent.
Over recent weeks, there has been a considerable debate about the root causes of crime and the steps that should be taken to stem the tide of violence. Some people have said that the police are ineffective in dealing with the problem and have suggested replacing Commissioner Forbes.
But the poll found that the public still has confidence in the crime chief. His strongest support comes from older people and individuals in the lower income brackets.
Still, four out of every 10 people (mainly the younger age group and those in the upper socio-economic bracket) surveyed wanted him to be removed, Mr. Anderson pointed out.
He said, "This level of dissatisfaction cannot be ignored and efforts will have to be made by the Commissioner to shore up his support by proving that he is capable of fighting a winning battle against crime and violence. It is perhaps unfair to single out Mr. Forbes in the fight against crime, but the poll shows that people are prepared to place blame and hence give credit to the persons at the top in evaluating their position on issues."
