THE SECURITY forces have embarked on an aggressive policy of intervention in key communities experiencing a violent upsurge in recent weeks. This is as it should be and we call upon all Jamaicans to support this crucial effort which is long overdue. We also note the general support from the Opposition which is welcome. Crime and violence is a Jamaican issue, not a partisan political one.At the same time, trust and public support, especially at the community level, cannot be taken for granted. It has to be won and re-won in every operation. We understand that strong military action is necessary and that this is no dinner party. But in our specific context, special attention has to be paid to ensuring that the security forces act with the highest professionalism and not in a roughhouse manner. Already there are disquieting signs that some sections of the security forces, in their zeal, may be acting in a manner guaranteed to alienate otherwise cooperative forces in the community. Some of this is unavoidable and no one wants to be naïve on this score. But if roughhouse behaviour by the security forces becomes the norm, it will be a huge blunder of strategic proportions. This we cannot afford.
For it is essential that this deployment of force not only be done within the formal framework of the rule of law and have bipartisan support. More is necessary.
The security forces must use the opportunity to begin to rebuild a broad framework of public trust in civil society as a whole. This is not only for the tactical purpose of acquiring information; it is a matter of the fundamental human rights of the Jamaican people and the institutional stability of Jamaican society. Present and future stability demands that the security forces act in a manner which enhances not undermines the institutions of the society, which are weak enough as it is.
We appreciate that there are highly intelligent and sophisticated persons in the leadership of our security forces who understand the importance of these concerns. The challenge for them is to get these concerns observed in everyday operations at the community level. Special briefing, debriefing and re-briefing of commanding officers on the ground level is vital. At the national level, thought should be given as to how civil society representatives can be brought in to give impartial oversight to the process, with real power and not simply as ornaments.
We are embarked on difficult and stormy seas. Sound and trusty leadership will make all the difference in the outcome of this voyage.
