Heather Robinson
MEMBERS OF human rights groups and other persons constantly complain about the number of fatal shootings by members of the security forces. They argue that the number of such fatal incidents is too high. They also argue that many of these killings are extrajudicial in nature and that more police officers ought to be charged and convicted for murder.
While these human rights activists are putting forward these arguments, there are thousands of Jamaicans who are mourning the loss of family members to murderous gunmen. These Jamaicans rejoice when a criminal becomes the beneficiary of a police officer's gun. These same Jamaicans are hurt when criminals manage to escape the dragnet of the police, or are able to outshoot police officers during a shoot-out.
A few weeks ago, Commissioner of Police Lucius Thomas appealed to the Government to provide his officers with bigger guns comparable to those being used by some gang members. Many have been the responses to this request by the commissioner. But little or nothing has been said about the current use of the existing weapons by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
Reports by the Constabulary Communications Network (CCN) tell us of shoot-outs between criminals and police officers. I do not know if the commissioner's office records the ratio of shoot-outs to the number of fatal shootings. What is clear, however, is this. Criminals do not fear the police, and be it with big or small firearms, they believe they can successfully take on the police.
The level of success by the criminals can be measured by the number of police officers shot, injured and murdered by criminals. Not enough noise is made about these acts committed against our police officers, and hardly ever is there a demonstration of outrage by concerned citizens.
Can you imagine how much safer our country would be if criminals knew that when they open fire on a police officer, the likelihood of them escaping unhurt was very, very small? Can you imagine if our police officers improved their levels of accuracy, how criminals would refrain from firing on the police and civilians? Can you imagine if our police officers displayed greater levels of proficiency and safe handling how gunmen would cower and hide? Gone would be the days of brazen rage directed at our police officers.
The Gleaner's Wednesday Business of June 14 reported that 'Kingfish success hurts H&L'. The report stated that Hardware and Lumber suffered a "62 per cent slump in the group's operating profit." The group's chief executive officer is reported as saying that "The people who are involved in (drug trading) are major developers". The report continued the "company's sales were particularly hard hit in Montego Bay, starting in early 2005 when the police launched Operation Kingfish, the anti-drug, anti-gang task force that has been credited with substantial success against narcotics trafficking."
The admission that the arrest of alleged drug kingpins has resulted in a downturn in the construction sector reveals the level of accuracy that Operation Kingfish has achieved. Similar levels of accuracy should be the aim of all police officers, be it at a gunman firing at the police or drug kingpins wanted by the United States of America.
Most of us know the Bible story of David and Goliath. David's victory over the giant Goliath was in large part due to his accuracy in using what we in Jamaica call a 'sling shot'. David never cried for an AK47, instead he used his superior skills to kill the monster.
Proficiency and accuracy in the use of firearms come with training and practice. May this be our first and only priority.
Heather Robinson is a Life Underwriter and former Member of Parliament.
