The Editor, Sir:

It has long been said, some may even say, long been known, that some members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) engage in illegal activities. The recent statements by ACP Les Green which might suggest that some of our slain police officers have been killed because of their 'supposed' involvement in illegal activities have understandably received mixed reviews. I agree with your editorial (October 28), that in so far as his comments may have been viewed as being somehow related to the murder of a specific policeman, he can and perhaps should apologise for any hurt caused, primarily to his relatives and close friends.

Yet, another information and news outlet in a recent publication suggests that drugs may have been found in the vehicle that is said to have been driven by a JCF member that was recently murdered. If this information is correct, it neither justifies the murder nor absolves the assistant commissioner of any 'insensitivity'.

For me, it reveals an even clearer and more present danger. Did a body of evidence exist prior to his death that could have proved an involvement in illegal activities? Did the relevant arm or unit of the JCF act in a timely and professional manner to have brought the accused to book and on through to the courts? And, if it is true that a slain cop was involved in drug trafficking, is it all right for him or any other citizen to be murdered?

Entirely regrettable

For certainly, there can be no suggestion that the strategy to rid the force of members 'thought' to be corrupt is that they be murdered by their cronies or opponents in the 'line of duty'. In a society where there is already a perception that extrajudicial killings are 'tolerated' if not the preferred form of 'justice' (and I am not suggesting that this is a view shared by police only), the assistant commissioner's comments are entirely regrettable.

ACP Green was recruited as your editorial said to 'reprofessionalise' the JCF. This suggests lifting the standards, not falling to the level that pre-existed the recruitment. The good old Jamaican saying applies, 'not everything good fi eat good fi talk'. When it comes to the presence of persons thought to be corrupt being among the ranks of the JCF, less talk and more action (legal resolution) is preferred.

I am, etc.,

DARTLAND PRYCE

dartlandpryce@yahoo.com

Craighead, Manchester