THE NOTION that any area of this country is too dangerous for the police represents an astounding retreat from public duty. Yet that is what the Chairman of the Police Federation is reported to have said in an interview with this newspaper.
According to Sergeant David White, he will be lobbying for rank and file members of the Constabulary to be freed from policing areas described as 'zinc fence' communities, informal settlements and gully banks.
On the grounds that a number of policemen have been shot, and even killed, the Federation chairman said the persons in these areas were at war, citing the recent conflict in Shelter Rock community in Spanish Town.
"We are trained as peacemakers, we are not soldiers," the sergeant said.
Sergeant White should be reminded that police have been killed in the safety of their own police stations, at busy intersections in uptown areas far from zinc fence communities, and in the comfort of their homes. In short, the policeman's job is inherently dangerous and requires brave men and women.
The danger does not reside only in the inner-city communities; and thus the sort of selective policing enunciated by the head of the Police Federation gives an indication of why inner-city communities do not trust the police and why community policing does not seem to have taken on. Aren't poor people also entitled to the protection of the State?
The inference that police patrolling is ill-suited to the prevailing conditions and should be the job of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) raises the question about proposed legislation to give the army police powers.
That legislation, which is still before Parliament, has evoked criticism from the Opposition as well as other interests.
If the mindset of the Federation Chairman reflects the feeling of the rank and file it raises serious questions about the commitment of policemen to protect the law-abiding.
It is bad enough that the commonplace facilities at police stations are often sub-standard and there have been complaints about vehicles and equipment when they are deployed on operational duties. A matter as mundane as a shortage of uniforms is reported elsewhere in this edition.
This makes it more urgent for the Police High Command to deal with an apparent deterioration in the attitudes of the rank and file. The Police Commissioner should move swiftly to ascertain from the Federation the current status quo. Public safety demands urgent action on this matter.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
