Overbearing police action

THE EDITOR, Sir:

The overall strategy of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, long overdue, for reducing homicide and general violence in the inner and outer city is working. A few notable specific elements apart, it deserves compliment. Its success will certainly not last, however, if the communities torn apart by earlier violence are not being rebuilt at the same time.

The dismantling of garrisons must not fall short of rebuilding the trust and solidarity that are the heart of community life. Our police need to be reminded of this, for rebuilding solidarity requires social activities and events. People from many corners and many communities meet and fraternise at these events. The enjoyment they have and sharein these encounters builds community spirit. And, yes, they earn valuable income from the sale of drinks, porridge and jerked chicken.

To single out the fact that the earnings and the fraternising of some will go into buying bullets and planning evil is to do an injustice to the majority who, from their very depressed surroundings, go for healthy fun and the badly needed income. Yet this is what the police are doing by totally banning 'sessions' in so many areas.

Excessive noise and its carrying on till beyond dawn must certainly be restricted. The laws are there for the police to enforce, and this is what is expected of them. But not this wholesale banning of three people gathering to play dominoes, listen to music and have two drinks after 8 p.m. That is the beginnings of a police state. Events in the Middle East should warn our overzealous cops not to try that route, which the Government, with some of its recent legislation bearing on the courts (for example, limiting bail rights and judges' sentencing discretion, extending detention time), appears intent on doing.

I am, etc.,

HORACE LEVY

halpeace.levy78@gmail.com