The Editor, Sir:

I write in reply to the article published on Friday, December 22, entitled 'Give cops voter data - Walker backs enumeration finger-prints in criminal investigations'.

The idea of allowing the police to use fingerprint data collected on enumerated persons is well-intentioned.

However, in a country where voter apathy is rampant and where people are phobic of participating in the national census exercise for fear of what will be done with the data (even though it is anonymous), Mr. Walker and others involved in elections, and who mean well for political advancement, must realise that this will further dissuade people from participating in the political process which is essential for national development.

The truth is that, although efforts are being made to engender a positive image of the police, our citizenry is still not totally accepting or comfortable with many individuals who comprise the JCF - strides are only now being made.

What prevents the perception that 'purposeful mistakes' will not take place to ensure convictions in the courts?

Although I agree with Mr. Walker's statement - "Everybody should be willing to enthusiastically take whatever steps to assist the police in the fight against crime and enhance their investigative abilities" - we must recognise that needs to be done in a framework of trust.

And as a state, trust is something we (still) sorely lack (unfor-tunately).

I am, etc

C. EBANKS

caribbean.c@gmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica