THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WOULD be most grateful to be permitted space in your newspaper to make a humble proposal to the Hon. Minister of National Security and the Commissioner of Police.
Against the background that there is need to beef up the Constabulary and the Army by some 2,000 members (to be trained), I beg to submit that the records of those police officers whose contracts were terminated for some reason, be revised.
I must concede that without discipline, honesty and a commitment to the job, a profession's image will be tarnished. But to err is human, and I dare say that the most pious among us has had his erring moment.
The punishment meted out to some of these erring officers might have been too harsh, and the force has thus lost some good crime-fighters just like that.
I am of the opinion that in recruiting the additional personnel for the force, those police officers whose contracts were not renewed, should be screened to see what sort of life they have been leading since. Most will be found to be leading a law-abiding life, earning their livelihood by honest means.
The times which elapsed since they have been evicted has rehabilitated them. I therefore submit that the records of the eligible ones be expunged and they be reinstated.
I am, etc.,
STEVE REID
Manchester
