The Editor, Sir:

This is a response to the letter published on January 24, 2007, concerning the creation of a national fingerprint database. I could not help but notice the writer's last comment, "I, as a fine, upstanding citizen, would consider it an affront to my being, if I were asked to be fingerprinted as part of a national database. Let the criminals be fingerprinted." I am curious to know why one would be offended by a system that was aimed at reducing crime.

Problem with the database

The problem with the fingerprint database is that not everyone would be willing to participate without the use of coercion, which would be undemocratic. The writer's suggestion on how to implement a national database seems to be the only plausible solution but we also need other solutions.

Jamaica needs to develop an effective unit to investigate cases of possible police corruption. People are always going to be reluctant to cooperate with a police force they do not trust. Hiring independent foreign sources would help. Merge JCF with JDF. JDF could become an anti-task force unit. Jamaica's biggest threat is the criminals that live within its borders. There needs to be a bigger budget for security forces.

PM's priority

The first priority of the Prime Minister is to protect citizens. Sooner or later a serious attempt by the police to disarm certain communities will have to be made, regardless of the political outcome. We cannot allow independent states to exist within the State.

We need to pray for courage to stand up and fight the problem; but prayer without action is merely a hopeless request.

I am, etc.,

ANDRE McDONALD

andre33319us@yahoo.com

Fort Lauderdale, Fl

Via Go-Jamaica.