The Editor, Sir:

I just read your article in regard to the 'illegal' bus park and the extortion racket in Spanish Town.

Once again we are reminded about where half of our crime problem stems from. Simply put, an ineffective and incom-petent police force.

Superintendent Terrence Bent, acting head of the St Catherine North Police Division, claims it is not a police matter.

Not police matter?

Are we to assume that that the intimidation of bus and taxi drivers, the establishment of a bus park, without any permits, etc, has nothing to do with the police?

Are we to assume that extortion is not a police matter?

Are we to assume the beating of drivers if they don't pay or drive through the 'bus park' is not a police matter? Is it police policy to only act if there is a complaint?

No care?

Is it not a police officer's responsibility to ask the question, 'what is going on here? Is this park legal? Why and who are these men collecting money from people?'

Maybe, the police should hire the newspaper reporters who so easily find these things out to help them.

But, then again, maybe the police do know. Maybe, they don't care. Maybe, they are involved. Maybe, they just don't think it is their responsibility.

Maybe, it will become a police matter when some driver insists on not paying and gets killed. Too late, Superintendent Bent.

Look closely

The police force suffers mostly from a management problem. There really are some gaps in leadership which can only filter down to the rest of the officers who think, 'ah so it go'.

I suggest to the commissioner and the minister, these are the people that you need to look closely at. Maybe, start with checking bank accounts.

I am, etc.,

Afraid of the Police