Dear Editor,

The case of the policeman who was shot by a security guard after attempting to rob a citizen in St Elizabeth is an indication of the poor judgement of those who screen police officers. Though this is only one case mentioned, there are many others of the same nature.

The incidents of police being involved in criminal offences have raised trust issues in the minds of citizens as it relates to the police force. Many peeople, like myself, cannot fathom how it is that the those who swore to protect, serve and reassure are doing the exact opposite.

These incidents are blatant disrespect to other police officers who are risking their lives on a daily basis to serve and uphold their vow to the citizens.

I believe that the panel involved in selecting officers should be more rigorous in the selection process so that criminals are not admitted into the police force.

Moreover, police officers who commit crimes should not be let off with a slap on the wrist, which seems to be the norm today. It is time they conduct better investigations into criminal offences of police officers and punish them accordingly.

The Bible, which seems to be the foundation of the Jamaican society, did say that whatever a man sows that shall he also reap. Therefore, whatever these officers sow should be exactly what they reap. If this is done then I believe that it will dissuade other members of the force from participating in criminal offences. After all, a clean constabulary force is what we all want.

Rashida Harrison

Old Harbour, St Catherine

Harrison_rashida@yahoo.com