THE EDITOR Sir:COMMENTS FROM The Gleaner have inspired me to address the editorial staff via this mail.
I am a regional president of the Fraternal Order of Police in the United States. Our union/organization is "the largest law enforcement association" in America with approximately 318,000 members nationwide.
We are keenly aware of labour laws in our country and the
political environment. We are just as aware of the problems, frustrations and hazards of being in police service.
DESPERATE NEEDS
Jamaican police officers have desperate needs. More pay, better benefits, more and better equipment, and shorter work week, to name a few. Add to
this the need for more intense in-service training in all areas.
As a career lawman,with my career leading me to administrative/command positions, I have never allowed myself to forget where I came from and what the frustrations were when I was at lower levels at the early stages of my career. I trust that the
command officers of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have a similar attitude.
Political officials certainly must realise that while laws are created out of necessity, and enforced by reasonable means, that someone has to be there to "enforce them". That's the police officer.
You cannot place the unique profession of law enforcer in the same category as any other career or profession. It is not the same, nor will it ever be.
DEPENDENT ON POLICE
I do not believe that anyone with common sense truly feels the police here in Jamaica are being paid enough, and have the benefits to make the job a little more tolerable.
Ask yourself this. The folks who live in high-crime communities who are law-abiding, whom do they look to for protection?
Those that live in the so-called 'upscale' neighbourhoods, what keeps the borders of the less upscale neighbourhood and the criminal element within, from infiltrating their relatively safe community? It's the police.
The plight of the Jamaican Police Federation and the dedicated actions of its executive board have gained international attention.
Many law officers in America visit beautiful Jamaica for rest and recuperation, but are alarmed at the substandard
conditions for our Jamaican brothers and sisters in law enforcement.
As president of one of the most active locals in my state, I can say this: The citizens of Jamaica need to stand with the Police Federation and let the government know that while many areas of concern exist, they must prioritise.
NUMBER ONE PRIORITY
It is our opinion that the number one priority in Jamaica is fighting crime and stopping the killing of its police. The citizens need to stand with, walk with and pray with the officers that travel in harm's way daily, more than anyone.
The Fraternal Order of Police encourages the Police Federation to keep up the fight for so many thousands of members.
The Fraternal Order of Police compliments the command officers, political and business leaders who support the call for better conditions in all concerned areas.
Talk is one thing, action is something else. The eyes of this country as well as law officers abroad are on you.
Stand tall, and support the police. As citizens, you have a right to expect good, honest and fair law enforcement, free of corrupt individuals who taint the entire system and insult those who are honourable in the performance of their duties.
I am, etc.,
RUSSELL A. HICKMON
Cmdrf5-jam@emoquad.com
President
Colorado Local #3
