Towards better policing
published: Wednesday | September 17, 2003
Delroy Chuck
NO COMMUNITY can develop and benefit if gangs, dons and hoodlums overtake it. Yet, communities want security, protection and reassurance that their citizens can live in peace and go about their business unhindered. In modern society, the police are employed, trained and committed to serve, protect and reassure. But when communities feel the police cannot offer them the service, protection and peace of mind, the citizens will seek alternative measures.
Because the police in Jamaica take credit when things are going well, they must also take the blame when things are going wrong. When new policies, new crime strategies and new security plans are announced, they are usually followed by intense public relations to demonstrate how well they are working; but within months, it is the same old story - crime is out of control. Let's get real the police alone cannot contain crime. Without the assistance and support of right-thinking members of the community, the work of the police is a daunting task. In fact, it is simply impossible for 8,000 or even 20,000 policemen to effectively secure the nation if they do not involve and embrace the whole society.
GAINING THE PEOPLE'S TRUST
I think the most important task of the Jamaican police, right now, is to gain the trust, co-operation and support of the Jamaican people, and that means everyone. The police are not above the law and must discharge their duties in a manner that is above reproach, exhibits professionalism and attracts commendation. I appreciate that the work of the police is ever so difficult, especially when they have to deal with the ruthless and heartless that prey on our innocent citizens and have no intention to live a straight and honest life. Yet, the police must understand, and fully understand, that faithful to their oath and the rule of law, they cannot be judge, jury and executioner in the performance of their duties. Police excesses, abuses and extra-judicial killings have tarnished the image of the Force and make it extremely difficult to gain the trust and support of the citizens.
Ridiculously, when the police are criticised, the critics are seen as detractors and enemies of the police which is absolute nonsense. I know that Jamaicans for Justice, Families Against State Terrorism, human rights organisations and others who criticise the police are not anti-police, as many dumb heads attest and believe. They know and appreciate the seminal role the police play in a decent society. When they cry for justice and for proper observance of the rule of law, they are upholding and promoting the interests and welfare of the nation, while demanding that the police act within the law. If the police acted more responsibly towards these organisations, instead of falsely accusing them of upholding criminal rights, then the whole Force would be much better.
TRIGGER-HAPPY
Perhaps the most revealing feature of the average police officer today is how trigger-happy and trigger-alert he has become. Policemen actually feel naked and insecure if their guns are not near to hand. When they go to the bathroom, even sitting on the toilets, I am told, their guns must be in close range. In fact, it is quite scary to see the police on the roads at the present time, as they are so heavily armed. When patrol cars pass through a neighbourhood, especially the inner city communities, the feeling is not one of security and protection but of fear and possible danger. Somehow, we need to change the present message that the police are ready, waiting and willing to demolish the criminals when the right message should be one of interaction, integration and involvement with the community to better serve and protect.
Better policing demands better intelligence, more headspace, and painstaking analysis of data instead of raw power, fear and brute force. Nowadays, the criminals have the upper hand, as they use technology, stealth and deception in their lawlessness and, if we want to gain and maintain control, the police must be one step ahead. To be sure, the gangs and callous 'shottas' gain power and notoriety through access to guns, bullets, drugs and money. Surely, it cannot be beyond the acumen and ability of the police to find the connection and to cut off the link between the criminals and their tools and rewards of trade.
POLICE, DRUGS AND CRIMINAL DEALINGS
The real problem, and I say so without fear of contradiction, is that far too many policemen, at most levels, are actively involved or benefiting from drug and criminal associations. Better policing therefore demands the removal of corruption, indiscipline and lawlessness within the very ranks of the Police Force. The Force is being ruined and its energy and effort dissipated by corrupt cops and those who turn a blind eye. More disappointingly, the Office of Professional Responsibility, the Bureau of Special Investigation, the Police Public Complaints Authority, the Office of the Public Defender and the Director of Public Prosecution, for one reason or another, have failed to serve and protect the nation from the excesses and terror of wayward policemen. How can the Force gain respect and enforce law and order when criminals buttress and neutralise their behaviour by pointing to the shady deals and corrupt behaviour of policemen.
Is it any wonder that the security business the proliferation of guards, electronic gadgets and extortionists has become a major growth industry? Businessmen, householders and virtually every institution and activity in the nation spend disproportionate sums of money on the very service and protection that the police are committed to provide. Sadly, the alternative measures of many businessmen to yield to extortion have contributed significantly to the gangsters and hoodlums who take control of communities. In truth, the society would resolve a major criminal problem that is destroying many communities, if and when businessmen find it cheaper and better to depend on the police instead of extortionists.
Delroy Chuck is an attorney-at-law and Opposition Member of Parliament.He can be contacted by e-mail at delchuck@hotmail.com.
