The Editor, Sir:

The brutal murder of the two young policemen, in the line of duty, on Friday, May 23, is sending a chilling signal that people in certain areas of our country really do not want or appreciate protection from the state. This may seem very harsh but we must accept the reality of what is happening and move with alacrity to channel this very scarce resource into areas where it is a value-adder.

While I am aware that the police is the protector of the entire Jamaica, am I nonsensical to question the prudence of any commander who continues to risk the lives of his policemen and women by sending them into areas such as these to do 'foot patrolling'? I believe that the time has come for the members of the police force to come together to defend their lives.

Remove the police

Whenever a don is killed - be it by the police or otherwise - the members of the communities are vociferous in enunciating their position that their 'protector' has been taken from them. It is for this very reason why I am calling on the powers that be to remove the police from these garrisoned areas since these dons or area leaders have the capacity to remove all acts of criminality from their areas. Let them police themselves.

Additionally, most persons in these areas see the police as a threat and will do anything to eliminate them. We must place some value on the lives of our security personnel and withdrawal from the garrisons could be one way to demonstrate this value to them.

I am, etc,

PAT BIGNALL

wilbig@cwjamaica.com