The answer to the decay of law and order in Jamaica is in the relationship between the people and the nation. As Jamaicans we have a role to play in the building of the nation. Failure to perform our role will lead to the decay of social stability. The rebuilding of this relationship starts with rebuilding of the relationship between the public and the police.

Recently, I visited a party around 9 p.m. in Linstead and I was saddened by the sight of policemen drinking and carrying on. The men were well dressed in their uniforms with a gun in one hand and a bottle of beer in the other.

I don't find such behaviour to be appropriate; in fact I find it rather disrespectful. I just didn't feel safe; my party time was over within five minutes as the sight of men drinking and carrying guns didn't calm my nerves. Policemen should be role models not just for children but for the people of Jamaica.

The failure of police officers to honour and uphold the law is one reason for the breakdown in the relationship.

If we are going to require people to respect the law, the people that are put to enforce the law must respect and honour the law. I think policemen often forget that the laws are put in place for the protection of the citizens of a nation and one is a citizen first, police officer second.

I believe there should be consequencs for security personnel who are judged to have acted in a way that placed themselves and others in danger. If am caught driving under the influence I am judged to be putting myself and others in danger and would be charged for the offence, but many policemen can drink and party on the job and treat the citizens of this nation with great disrespect in front of children without any consequence. I think that is unjust.

The failure of our lawmen to show respect for their position and dishonouring their uniforms are some of the reasons for our current state of lawlessness.

I am, etc.,

A.J.

el_junio_00@hotmail.com

Missouri

USA