THE EDITOR, Sir:
FAMILIES AGAINST State Terrorism (FAST) commends Deputy Superintendent Claude Samuels on his call to officers in his division to perform their work professionally and in accordance with regulations.
FAST firmly believes that crime can be managed only when the public see themselves as partners with the police in solving crime. Public support and co-operation is likely to be gained only when the people are convinced they can trust the police, and that trust can be built only on respect for citizens' rights.
DSP Samuels transferred all policemen from Lawrence Tavern after fatal shootings in that community, and after a seeming inability to arrest the man said to be the most feared criminal in the division. No less is expected of police managers than that they act decisively when those they supervise are failing to perform to required standards and are alienating citizens with abuse or questionable killings.
As the DSP said, "It is time we give of our best to the public."
FAST continues to believe that the quality of leadership can make a difference to policing and therefore to crime-solving.
I am etc.,
YVONNE McCALLA SOBERS
Chairman
Families Against State Terrorism (FAST)
