New model police service needed
published: Wednesday | September 29, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

WE NEED a new model police service, but let me at the outset commend all those who serve as police (men and women) at this time in our history when our society has been breeding those misguided and perhaps mostly unemployed fellows who have been resorting to crimes of violence, upon even the police, who are supposed to be their friend and servant.

As I see it, perception of the police as truly a servant of the public can be assisted by substituting the word 'service' for 'force' and selection as well as training should emphasise service to the public, to the force and to members in that order; and discipline should again be the foundation of the organisation as it was when I was a member.

In the sphere of discipline, I ask those senior members of the force, who obviously have legitimate cause for concern, whether going to the press in the way they have on matters which are obviously classifiable if they are not in breach of discipline, and at the same time sending the wrong message to criminals and would-be criminals which affords them useful information.

I am, etc.,

OWEN S. CROSBIE

Hotel Street

Mandeville