THE EDITOR, Sir:
WE WOULD like to bring to your attention an incident that occurred on Sunday, July 14, 2002, for which police officers should be commended for displaying patience, compassion and dedication. Our son, who is 20 years old, had recently returned home from studying abroad and had become very withdrawn and depressed, for which he was receiving counselling and scheduled to start psychotherapy sessions.
On the date mentioned above, he became very erratic and started behaving violently. The police were called in to subdue him and to assist in transporting him to the hospital. He, however, brandished a machete and held them as well as other caring citizens who attempted to subdue him at bay for over eight hours.
During the entire ordeal, the police displayed a very high level of compassion and understanding in dealing with the matter and went the extra mile to ensure our son's life remained intact despite his irrational behaviour. At a time when the majority of citizens seem to be giving the police unwarranted hell, we take this opportunity to thank the relevant officers of the Police Force from the bottom of our hearts for their gallant and compassionate effort and to attest to the manifestation of the professional and caring approach the police are now pursuing.
In addition to their efforts on that day, all officers have visited us on at least one occasion and have inquired as to our son's welfare as well as the family's as a whole and continue to encourage us as we progress on what we are aware is a long journey back to some level of normality.
The following are the officers mentioned above:
Inspector Street and his team from Constant Spring police station; Cpl. McFarlane, Det. Constable Ashman and Consta-bles White, Henry, Laud, Cox and Osbourne, Roye, who were first on the scene.
Woman Constable Perry from the Gordon Town police station; who has counselled our son in the past.
DSP Thompson, Constant Spring police station, who devised the plan and led the team of officers that eventually subdued our son without injury to all.
Words are inadequate to express the deep gratitude we feel. Thanks again, keep up the good work and God bless and guide you all.
We are, etc.,
THE DOUGLAS FAMILY
P.O. Box 217
Kingston 8
