THE EDITOR, Sir:
IN RECENT times, the behaviour of our police officers has become a major concern, especially how they deal with situations in the public.
I must make it clear that I am not one of those Jamaicans who constantly bash police officers and call them names such as 'Babylon,' because I think they are indeed important, but far too many times their level of professionalism comes into question.
I personally think the problem stems from the period in which they are trained. I think this period of training is way too short, given the nature of the job and its many requirements, while teachers, nurses, doctors and lawyers undergo years of training and then face a period of internship which, if failed, can lead to one not being certified.
This prescribed period of training makes way more sense than just a six-month stint at the police academy. Then, the question has to be asked how much can be learned in just six months?
I personally think the Minister of Security should raise the bar for the police training to at least 18 months and incorporate regular police with some form of internship where every prospective police officer is assessed and if successful then one can be given the green light to demonstrate proper policing.
Teachers, nurses and doctors are all delinquent at times, but the police officers have their way far too often. Perhaps they went on the Government's payroll too easily.
I am, etc.,
KEILANDO GOBURN
Odnaliek@yahoo.com
Spanish Town, St Catherine
Via Go-Jamaica
