The Editor, Sir:

Do members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force believe that our crime problem begins with guns? I hope not, as this is not entirely true. The gun crimes and other heinous crimes are just the end results of what should have been prevented or what should have been nipped in the bud.

Vending in undesignated zones, overtaking on an unbroken line, running the stop light, throwing paper out the window of motor vehicles and street dances with sound systems blaring from 7: 00 p.m. to 7: 00 a.m. These are the so-called little things that blossom into more serious crimes. When one feels that the law is not a shackle and decides to make it flexible, then, expect anything. People believe that they can get away with breaking the law. The police must do what they are trained to do: uphold the laws of the country.

If we still have the slave mentality and decide that someone has to be standing over us with a baton or a gun before we do our part, then so be it - punishment for the 'petty crimes' as well as others.

I am, etc.,

ANGILOU

ajblibram@yahoo.com

Kingston