The Editor, Sir:

I am still in pain from the sudden and brutal killing of Inspector Dennis Gardner.

Inspector Gardner was one of those policemen who single-handedly changed my view of the police in Jamaica. As a young lawyer, like so many other young men of my generation, I saw the police as evil - oppressors of the poor, murderers of the youth and perpetrators of injustice.

Far too many police personnel are disrespectful, unprofessional and corrupt, but Inspector Gardner was different. He was always pleasantly polite, helpful and professional not only to lawyers and judges, but to everyone.

I met Inspector Garder in 2001 while he was in charge of the Linstead Police Station. He was always approachable by all members of the community.

Respected rights

In a private conversation, when I expressed my annoyance at the oppressive attitude of some police in relation to people's rights, he explained that even though he had a dear brother who had been killed in the line of police duty, he held steadfast to his belief that people's rights must always be respected and that due process must always be observed.

I am, etc.,

MARCUS GOFFE

marcussa@hotmail.com