We are surprised by the timid, bordering on effete, response of the constabulary to the anonymous confession by a policeman of his own corruption that has triggered public outcry and a new demand for a clean-up of the force.

Indeed, in the face of the official simpering, logical questions are being raised about whether a turnaround is possible and if a more radical solution to the crisis is not necessary. So, rather than continue to tinker around the edges, it is perhaps time to concede that what we have can't be fixed and that what is needed are radically new structures and institutions.

We have all known for a long time that corruption runs wide and deep in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). What the policeman's confession, published by The Sunday Gleaner on Christmas Eve, did was to provide us with context and some indication of just how high up the problem reaches. It is almost axiomatic that such a tainted institution is incapable of providing the society with effective policing.

This newspaper had hoped that the public's reaction to the glimpse - through the lenses of someone who knows it intimately - of the rot would have galvanised the leadership into a new aggressive resolve and concerted action to lick the problem. Indeed, we made it clear in these columns that nothing less was required.

So far nothing has come from the constabulary that inspires much confidence, and, if anything, gives a sense of them being overwhelmed.

The official reaction to the policeman's revelation by the head of the Professional Standards Branch was a tinny exhortation; a kind of evangelism that is of no practical worth or consequence. Hurling public insults at this cop who, admittedly, has despoiled his badge may establish one's anti-corruption pedigree with the public. But that, in the end, is likely to drive this policeman back underground, taking with him the evidence that he clearly possesses.

A better strategy might have been an attempt to woo this policeman, given his seeming crisis of conscience - if that's what it was - to offer his evidence either in a court of law or a forum where it would have value to the overhaul of the force. Of course, appropriate immunities would have to be offered.

The force managers will, perhaps, argue that this cop has not revealed himself. But by coming so high above ground, it suggests that he may be traceable by good investigators.

These strategic blunders are among the factors that weaken our confidence that the problem of police corruption can be seriously tackled in the current environment. There, too, is the recounting of a litany of difficulties and shortage of resources, rather than creatively adapting with what is available. There is this apparent message of defeat before we start.

If we can't remake the police force, we should start anew. Dismantling the JCF and building a new police force can't be beyond the capacity of Jamaicans to conceptualise, implement and manage.

The process, of course, would include culling the old organisation for the best personnel - those untainted by corruption and can be trusted.

And we need not think that we would be unique. Others, faced with similar crises, have gone to this extreme, too.

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