Dear Editor,

I have read with acute interest and also with deep sympathy of the recent massacre in St Mary conducted by that police officer. It is with equal interest that I listen to the high brass of the police force regarding its quick response of sanctions of officers who are deemed dangerous to their families and society. Right away there is an instant analysis of work-related stress, making the officer a victim of the nature of police work in Jamaica. I can’t say how they arrived at this conclusion. Did they observe any related stress before the massacre, or are they making the evaluation on the basis of the massacre? I listened to some members of the church that the officer, his wife and other family members attended and how aware they were of the problem. Now, are we to understand that this issue was a secret to the JCF?

If the JCF was aware of the policeman’s problems at home, what evaluation of that officer was made and what recommendations were given? There is the saying that “prevention is better than cure”. Could the massacre have been prevented by the JCF? I agree with the recommendations for the future, but were any reports from the family or church given to the JCF about the officer? We need to know a little more from the police. I recalled a few years ago a story of a policeman who was beaten at a station. He died after the beating and it appeared that no one was responsible for that criminal act. Does the police force close ranks to protect its members, even if they are dangerous to those that the JCF aims “to serve, protect and reassure”?

Louis EA Moyston

Kingston 8

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