Kudos to cops, but show respect

THE EDITOR, Sir:

The police are definitely on the right track as it relates to improving their security presence and initiatives to mitigate criminal activities.

I would like to congratulate the police commissioner and the senior officers of the force, including the minister of security, for posting more police officers on the road. It is reassuring to see police officers, both men and women, on almost every corner, in the parks, at the taxi stands and on the roads patrolling. This is one of the more visible strategies that says to the public, we are here and we will enforce the law.

On a note of caution, please reiterate to all police personnel that they are to maintain their decorum. Don't address civilians disrespectfully as 'boy' and 'gyal'; nor succumb to bribery.

Policemen and women should also be fair, logical and exercise common sense. What do I mean by this? Some cops tend to become egotistical and abuse their authority, making rash and unfair comments and arrests.

Jamaica and the Jamaican police force have the capacity to effectively change our outlook, criminal propensity and subculture. The police force must fiercely protect the foundation it has lain thus far and protect the lives and rights of the Jamaican people.

DENISE N. FYFFE

fyffe.denise@yahoo.com