The Editor, Sir:

As we see the ascension of a new commissioner of police, I wish to make a few suggestions on how to deal effectively with the high murder rates we are facing. The ruthlessness of our criminals is mind-boggling and to curb this, they need to be demotivated strategically.

The conversion of the army to a paramilitary entity with powers of arrest is needed. We must come to the reality that these people we are dealing with are terrorists and must be treated as such as they have shown that they are willing to die and have the nation gripped in fear.

Initially, for a period of three months, all army personnel, including reserves, must be called to barracks and then deployed all across the country with concentrations in the east, centre and west of the island.

Cordon off entire communities, including 'uptown' and do house-to-house search below and above ground. Tear down all zinc fences and strictly enforce no-loitering laws to remove the people from the corners. Detain persons who have no identity except an alias and amend the laws to make it mandatory that all persons detained in these operations be fingerprinted, photographed and their hands swabbed for gunpowder residue.

Equip the police with anti-riot gear, including rubber bullets and other non-lethal devices; read the Riot Act when persons have been warned to disperse and fail to do so. Cite persons for disorderly conduct and public nudity when they demonstrate in their underwear. When any disorder breaks out, saturate the area with the paramilitary forces so that the residents are outnumbered as I have seen the police being out numbered 10 to one and this cannot be comfortable for them.

Detain in places of safety all children of school going age found on the streets during school hours and involved in demonstrations, and warn the parents for prosecution under the Child Care and Protection Act.

Focusing on gangs

Institute a system of paid covert operators who will infiltrate communities and provide the security forces with more focused intelligence on the gangs that exist there.

Entrench and intensify the raids on dances and stage shows and strictly enforce the Noise Abatement Act.

If evidence on criminals cannot be found, target their finances through the tax authorities, Al Capone style. We have the laws to support the above strategies, what we need is focused and sustained implementation.

I am, etc.,

REuBEN LOWE

owillieg@yahoo.com