THE EDITOR, Sir:
HANGING MAY be one of the necessary measures that need to be taken to curb the deadly violence that places everyone in harm's way. My heart cries out when I hear of a law officer killed just for being in the profession he or she is in.
In my country, the death penalty is scrutinised very closely by the judicial branch of the government. Rightfully so. Every measure must be taken to ensure that the accused is truly guilty of the crime he or she is being charged with.
However, once the evidence is in, and the guilty verdict is rendered, the penalty of death in some cases must be considered.
Some will say that the penalty of death is cruel and unusual. I say, is this indiscriminate act of savagery not cruel and unusual, at least to a law-abiding society? Others will say that the penalty of death does not deter crime. To this I say, if a person is executed for a heinous crime, that person will not commit a crime again.
Deterrence? I think so. Second, the execution should be well publicised to provide the deterrent effect.
The killing of a police officer must mandate execution. The premeditated murder of anyone should also call for the penalty of death. As a career lawman, I see no alternative to combating the 'career criminal' or the violent criminal. Finally, I will submit this. I am not trying to change anyone's mind but merely trying to get you to think.
Where do you want your country to be in five years or less? Where do you want your loved ones to be? The bottom line is this. Lawful execution may be an answer to the crime in this country. I never had to re-arrest a criminal who was executed. Do I relish or see joy in execution? Certainly not, nor should you. The violent criminal must have the same perspective. The 'big judgement' for the criminal is not in our hands but with the Almighty. We just help facilitate that meeting.
I am, etc.,
RUSSELL A. HICKMON
Cmdrf5-Jam @Emoquad.com
