Dealing with criminal gangs

THE EDITOR, Sir:

"Justice without Force is impotent: Force without Justice is tyranny." ­ Blaise Pascal

I DO not believe that the occurrences in Tivoli Gardens stemmed from a politically driven assault by the police.

Rather, it seems that criminal gangs attacked the police and thereby provoked an overwhelming and indiscriminate response. In short it was the Braeton 7 incident but on a grander scale.

Police excess in the face of urban guerrilla activity is not unique to Jamaica. However, the failure of the authorities to adopt appropriate standard operating procedures and to train and equip the security forces to deal with this phenomenon is unpardonable.

There is literature on the subject. Indeed Paul Wilk-inson first published his Treatise "Terrorism and the Liberal State" in 1977. I am sure more current learning is easily available.

The problem of gunmen and drugs will not be solved unless the people see the security forces as effective but responsible professionals.

I am, etc.,

DAVID G. BATTS

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