Rasta 'Bobbies' in Britain

WHILE MANY Rastafarians here in Jamaica would rather "burn Babylon" (i.e the police) than have anything to do with them, several of their brethren in Britain have joined the constabulary there in the mission to fight crime in one city's toughest neighbourhoods.

According to a report in Britain's The Mail last month, a seven-member team of Rastafarian peace officers recently started patrolling with local police officers in Handsworth, Birmingham ­ home to one of the biggest Rastafarian communities outside Jamaica - in an effort to form a better relationship between police and black communities despite their differences over the use of ganja.

This effort said the report is part of an eight week trial that so far has been a "resounding success."

The police in West Midlands say that even though the peace officers have no powers of arrest, there presence during patrols have been sending out positive signals and similar schemes could be adopted elsewhere in Britain.

An Inspector John Alder based in Handsworth said the idea was developed by both the local police and members of the Rastafarian community. He said the police had initially approached the Rastafarians and asked them to become special constables to assist in the policing of the community and increasing understanding but they preferred to set up their own "peace force" with their own officers and they (the police) accepted the suggestion.

The peace officers agreed to have their own uniforms of military-style khaki tunics and trousers, with green gold and red stripes down the side of the legs worn with green, gold and red belts and berets to contain their dreadlocks.

In addition they wear the Union flag on the right breast and the Rastafarian flag on the left along with letters, a badge and medallion symbols of their Rastafarian faith.

The officers accompany the local police in Handsworth on foot patrols and in police cars.

"They have even helped us with one arrest involving cannabis," said Inspector Alder.

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