It seems that Jamaicans just don't trust the police. The latest Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll showed that, on average, Jamaicans think only 37 per cent of members of the police force are not corrupt.
One thousand and eight persons were interviewed for the poll which was conducted across the island's 14 parishes between July 15 and 16. The poll's margin of error is plus or minus three per cent.
However, 57 per cent of those interviewed said that if they witnessed a serious crime being committed, they would be willing to help the police identify the criminals. But 32 per cent said they would not, and 11 per cent said they were unsure.
Distrust
Of those who said they would not help the police, 42 per cent said they did not trust the police, and felt the lawmen would give away their names.
Twenty-nine per cent said they did not want to lose their lives and 12 per cent said they felt that cops were themselves criminals. Mean-while, six per cent said they were afraid and another 10 per cent said they would not want to get involved.
Findings of Gleaner-Bill Johnson poll
| If you witness a crime, would you be willing to give information to the police? |
| Would help the police | 57% |
| Would not help | 32% |
| Don't know | 11% |
Why would you not help the police? |
| Don't trust them, will reveal name | 42% |
| Don't want to lose life | 29% |
| Police are corrupt | 12% |
| Afraid | 6% |
| Not my business | 10% |
What percentage of police are honest and not corrupt?
Honest/not corrupt | 37% |
