Let us truly become partners on crime
Published:Friday | May 4, 2018 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
"Don't hide it, tell it. Solving crime pays" is one of the Jamaica Constabulary Force's tag lines. However, getting information on crime in a timely manner is very critical for quick apprehension.
This calls for a civil intelligence network on crime, i.e., using the citizenry as a vanguard. The ordinary Joe and Jane on the streets or in the communities are the ones who usually see and know the perpetrators.
This partnership can only be done through mutual trust and police-citizen cooperation. Mutual trust can be borne out of neighbourhood watches, police youth clubs, and other community groups that are aligned to upholding good values and attitudes. Informants, paid or unpaid, are a necessary part of the equation to solve crime.
Enhance the intelligence capability and employ cutting-edge technology where needed, e.g., drones. Good intelligence will lead to surgical operations and apprehension.
A population of 2.8 million should not be solely dependent on the estimated 11,000 members of the JCF to prevent and solve crime. Let us all assist the security forces by telling what we know about crime.
CARLOS PIPHER