Citizen-cop relations can boost crime fight, says former commish

FORMER POLICE Commissioner Lucius Thomas has said the country will be able to make significant strides in slaying the crime beast through greater cooperation between citizens and law-enforcement officials.

"The intelligence area is one area that has to be improved on ... I believe that we can overcome it if there is the level of cooperation between citizens and police," he said.

Thomas, after retiring as police commissioner in 2008, had lined up to enter representational politics on a People's National Party (PNP) ticket. He was elected chairman of the North West St Ann constituency and was shoo-in to represent the party in the 2011 general election, but was forced to pull out for medical reasons.

As he observed the activities associated with the reopening of Parliament at Gordon House in Kingston last Tuesday, Thomas said he had a feeling of enthusiasm and joy.

The PNP won the December 29 general election with 42 seats against the the Jamaica Labour Party's 21. Thomas assisted in securing the election of Dr Dayton Campbell as member of parliament for North West St Ann.

Thomas said that phase of the work is complete, noting that it was time for his party to work towards building a better Jamaica.

"I believe that the commitments made, the feel of the Comrade leader, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, for the pain that the people suffer over the last years, that they are now looking forward to something coming out in their favour," he said.

"I know that the Cabinet that has been appointed, and the functionaries, will see through to the will of the people of Jamaica," he added.