Shields

The Editor, Sir:

On reading the front page of your newspaper on Wednesday, I am uncertain whether I should laugh or cry.Your story states that deputy commissioner of police in charge of crime, Mark Shields, has requested information from journalists associated with the publishing of a three-part series on a car-stealing ring in which the police is alleged to have played a decisive part.

As far as I'm aware, the information contained in your three-part series (which started in The Sunday Gleaner) came as a result of investigation done by your team of reporters.

Whereas I'm acutely aware of the investigative skills of Mr Shields and his team, as revealed in the Bob Woolmer affair, I was hoping that one or possibly two members of his team would understand the basic tenets of investigation.

Genesis

Notwithstanding this, I am somewhat reassured by the fact that Mr Shields now recognises that investigation of criminal activity seems to have its genesis in reporters' assignments.

I am, therefore, suggesting that as of Monday, February 18, Mr Shields or his designated representative be mandated to attend at the News Desk of The Gleaner for four-hour stints daily in order to improve their investigative skills.

I am, etc.,

Dr PAUL WRIGHT

2 1/2 Kensington Crescent

Kingston 5