The Editor, Sir:

I would first like to thank Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas for his service to the people of Jamaica and his efforts to combat crime and corruption within the force.

Lucius Thomas, did a good job in very bad times which unfortunately continue with little if any abatement. The commissioner was a decent man in a position that then and now requires something more.

I read and hear a ton of lip service being paid to the crime situation and its cause and roots. I hear the same rhetoric about jobs and education being repeated as if that will affect the current situation, and the armed animals we have running around murdering the citizenry without fear of reprise from limp and impotent law enforcers.

This brings us to the choice of the next commissioner of police. The new commissioner which will either be a logical choice of career officer with years left to serve and a good reputation, or a political appointment with a reputation for ethical behaviour that will foster the hope for 'cleaner' police force.

Neither choice will do much for the war on crime. The needed move is to find somebody with a history of aggressive, non-political and even illogical behaviour who does not care who is offended and who can and is willing to wield the might of the JCF like a hammer.

rock and a hard place

Does my new leader have the gumption to make such an appointment? I hope so. I do not share the point of view that crime has been fostered by previous administrations that had Prime Ministers escorted by known criminals, is unshakeable and here to stay. Nor do I believe that we cannot or do not have the manpower to scour and rout these animals from their holes and do unto them as they would do unto others.

Unfortunately, however, I do believe that while crime can be effectively addressed in a very timely fashion, our leaders are caught between a rock and a hard place, and are going to have to decide whom to please in this instance. It is either the majority of the citizenry or the human rights activists. It is either the courageous choice or the cowardly 'tow the line' one.

Chief Servant, you have your work cut out for you. Please take the hard decisions and do not worry about whom you upset. Rid us of the sickness that has taken hold of Jamaica. You can do it. You only have to choose to.

I am, etc.,

STEPHEN F. SMITH

puttus@walla.com

Sunrise, FL

Via Go-Jamaica