THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WISH to express my concern about the attitude of the general populace toward members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. I have often heard them being referred to as 'the police bwoy' and other derogatory names. Recently on an evening call-in programme someone called in to express their disgust that "the police bwoy dem" had the audacity to turn off the sound system at a dance (aptly dubbed 'Passa Passa') at 6:00 o'clock in the morning and that they were "fighting against ghetto people". I do have serious doubts and concerns about their modus operandi myself. However, they are being unjustly demonised by citizens and the media.
Massive protests are mounted, tyres burnt, roads blocked and placards are waved by scantily clad women screaming for "justice." They hold their bellies, bawl and lean upon the shoulders of their friends and relatives, grovel in the dust when the police attempt to perform their duties. Police vehicles are burnt - missiles hurled and the police retreat. Children stone police stations and meekly go back to school the next day. Talk show hosts are ecstatic as they bask in the sunshine of "police excesses"; politicians smack their lips and rub their hands gleefully at an opportunity for political mileage.
On the contrary, however, the silence is deafening whenever a policeman is killed or injured in the line of duty. Recently a policeman was stabbed in a courthouse during a trial in St. Thomas - where is the public outrage? Two senior police officers were coldly assassinated - where are the demonstrations? A police officer was soundly thrashed in southern St. Andrew for attempting to apprehend an armed suspect - where are the dissenting voices?
Imagine if the police were to protest? Despite the alleged excesses that we highlight I still believe many policemen demonstrate remarkable restraint when faced with hostile encounters.
The callous disdain toward the police must be tempered. They are embattled by criminals and a contemptuous populace quick to demoralise and destroy with their tongues. We need to support our police in their attempt to maintain law and order.
I am, etc.,
VIVIAN COLLINS
Viviancol2000@yahoo.co
Wilmington P.O.
St. Thomas
