THE POLICE have won commendation from several sources for "creditable performance" in relationship to Hurricane Ivan. The cops were out in force on the approach of the devastating hurricane, during its passage and in the aftermath. Gunmen and looters were also out in numbers and four officers were shot and injured in the execution of their duties. A number of looters were arrested and several looting attempts foiled.
During the passage of the hurricane, police officers were strategically placed at various points while others patrolled the dark streets as the electricity company shut down the power supply for safety. Back-up police teams were on stand-by in various police stations several of which themselves suffered damage from Ivan. The whole operation was coordinated and closely monitored by senior officers operating out of the emergency control room in the office of the Commissioner.
The exemplary service is even more noteworthy in light of the unprecedented action only days before when the Police Officers Association (POA), constituting the senior officers of the Force, went public with problems affecting effective policing. The POA detailed budgetary cuts, shortages of resources, legislative deficiencies and other problems hampering the delivery of the performance that the public was demanding. The senior officers were thereby issuing the grim warning that the undervaluing of law enforcement and the breakdown of the rule of law and order were pushing the country unto anarchy and disorder.
Nonetheless, the police, during the hurricane, despite shortages of basics like rain gear and vehicles, did much to stave off the criminal disorder which lawless elements of the society were bent upon. As Hurricane Gilbert taught us 16 years ago, many benefits and blessings can come out of a national natural disaster.
We hope that Ivan is not just an ill wind but will have blown the police force some answers to the performance problems raised in the POA's press conference ahead of the hurricane. The force should strongly seek to capitalise on the heightened level of public goodwill which the press conference and their subsequent hurricane service have generated.
THE OPINIONS ON THIS PAGE, EXCEPT FOR THE ABOVE, DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE GLEANER.
