OFFICIAL data from the police on crime are almost non-existent these days. Commissioner Dr Carl Williams and his team that form the Police High Command have literally and effectively blocked all communication with the people of this country, which they often claim they are duty bound to serve.

Nowadays, it seems that news on crime, crime statistics and updates are more and more finding its way to the public via the route of the Opposition.

The position of Dr Williams and his team is foolhardy and one that leads to further erosion of whatever trust and confidence some members of the public have for the police. We know that on the ground, little or no trust exists and the often stated desire of the constabulary to build confidence and have more Jamaicans enlist in the crucial fight against crime is but a fickle dream that is safely tucked away in the minds of these lauded officers, and maybe even our erstwhile minister of national security.

There is no clear and visible manifestation by neither the Government nor the police to deal with this often trumpeted contract of participation with the people of Jamaica.

We have been informed by the Opposition that up to the period January 1 to May 2, 2015, a total of 381 murders were committed, which represents an increase of 53 murders, a 16 per cent upward movement when compared with the same period for last year.

This, to us, clearly indicates that the obsolete and foolish custom often practised by the police of ‘hiding’ relevant statistics from public consumption in the misguided view that revealing the figures will ignite more crimes is outdated at best and, at worst, totally isolated and incongruent with modern-day policing.

What we received from the police, mainly we suspect as a response to the Opposition making public the murder stats, was a tersely worded statement that they, the police, will be meeting with operators of night dances. The response was inadequate and one lacking in hope that anything of substance will be done let alone achieved.

This paper is not in the business of decrying the men and women of the security forces. We give praise when it is due, but we have to be critical at this stage as the police seem to be operating on fumes and not on a structured programme designed to arrest the critical crime situation which now exists in the land.

While it is fully understood that Jamaica is special in many ways, including the heinous nature of crimes committed here, a more open approach has to be adopted to garner the support of the people.

We are therefore of the view that starting with the young constables on the beat, to the more lofty climes of Old Hope Road, the police have to engage the public by communicating directly with them.

We are now thoroughly convinced, and we take into consideration the strong message given to us by members of the Canadian police force, that it is time we tread on the path of being a police service and not a force.

It will take time, but this strategic movement has to start now.

Speak with us, Dr Williams and company. It will make a difference.