The Editor Sir

I read with dismay the article printed in The Gleaner of September 16 in which a woman constable outlined her ordeal, having been raped by a colleague. What is most disgusting is the 'men's club' response by the guardians of the law to this criminal act.

Congratulations for publishing her story since the media, in ignoring such a tragic incident, would also have been complicit in covering up her ordeal, and legitimising selective attention to the law.

Rooting out corruption

Before becoming Government, the Jamaica Labour Party campaigned vociferously about rooting out corruption from the Jamaican society, that it would be downright callous and hypocritical to ignore the corruption which lies at the feet of one of its chief arms - the police force.

We are not here only talking about officers who traffic drugs or comply with the demands of criminals, but clearly also those who turn upon their own and carry out wanton acts of violence on each other. For those who are not clear - to rape a woman is tantamount to putting a bullet through her skull.

I implore the women's organisations and the media to stand behind this female constable, and to ensure that justice is carried out on her behalf. The vagabond who raped her does not belong in an agency that upholds law and order and fights criminals. He has himself become criminal in the performance of his duty. In this sense, he has absolved himself of his duty (to protect and serve). Neither his employers or us as citizens can feel any confidence in his ability to maintain the principles that derive from his position as an officer of the law.

Speak up

I also hope that female trainees at the Police Academy speak up about any hint of abuse, or pack their bags and leave. I have a very young female relative presently training at the academy. I shudder to think that she is exposed to these levels of abuse at this institution.

I am, etc.,

Dr HUME JOHNSON

hume.johnson@jcu.edu.au

Queensland, Australia

Via Go-Jamaica