The Editor, Sir:

The crime situation in Jamaica has been allowed to continue for too long. It is my belief that there are actions that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) can take to reduce the murder rate. Here are my ideas:

a) Take the offensive in fighting corruption at all levels, irrespective of political allegiance or connection. Protection must be given to persons who report suspicions or incidence of alleged corruption or abuse of power.

b) Buy illegal firearms. Give holders of illegal firearms 21 days to turn in for cash. After that give 30 days amnesty for guns to be turned in without fear of prosecution excepting where those guns were used in the commission of serious crimes.

c) JCF exercise zero tolerance on quality of life crimes

d) Identify and flood the 'hot spots' with joint military/police patrols

e) Set up a fund to reward informants anonymously for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of person(s) wanted for serious crimes.

f) Institute the death penalty for cop killers. Assault of an officer should be punishable by imprisonment of 1 to 5 years at hard labour.

g) Speed up criminal trials. Deny bail to accused who have no ties to their community or who have no fixed place of employment.

Allow the police to act without fear of intimidation from politicians. Also the JCF must continue and in fact intensify the policing of itself by encouraging and rewarding officers who step up to the plate to combat and eradicate corruption amongst the members of the JCF.

Finally, once the monster is tamed, it will pave the way for economic prosperity and more expatriates and others will be happy to invest in lovely Jamaica.

I am, etc,

WINSTON SCULLY

mediatax@hotmail.com

(former JLP councillor,

St Catherine)

Elmont, NY

Via Go-Jamaica