THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE CRY for 'justice' because of alleged indiscretion and autocratic display of power by some policemen has become too frequent and commonplace. In tandem with those cries for 'justice' comes the social and economic disruptions and inconveniences caused by the physical demonstrations and roadblocking, allegedly warranted to justify the need to 'get justice'.
The utterances and expressions of victimisation are usually loudest when people who commit similar offences are oftentimes punished more harshly than other similar offenders. As such, it becomes more than obvious that one of the ways in which the police establishment is both losing the respect of the citizenry and lowering the morale of their colleagues is by the imposition of the law in a very whimsical and inconsistent manner.
Consistent dispensation of the law is far more likely to be understood and accepted by everyone and is a basic requirement for good human and public relations. It is also a fundamental expectation if peace and stability are to be maintained. Inconsistency inevitably leads to mistrust, misunderstanding, uncertainties and confusion when some rules are allowed to go unnoticed or unenforced. The general public (the influential, the ignorant, and the illiterate) may either decide to ignore them or become confused about what is really a requirement.
There is need for more harmony and less antagonism in our society. So we must have a consistent administration of the law in order to avoid any dissatisfaction which may arise because of either excessive leniency or excessive harshness, regardless of the fact that the law-breaker could be either from the ranks of the influential, the illiterate or the ignorant among us.
I am, etc.,
SONIA CHRISTIE
Stewart Town P.O.
Trelawny
