Dear Editor,

The murder of a young woman constable, gunned down by heartless criminals on a bus, another young constable mowed down by a motorcyclist while conducting a routine traffic stop in Westmoreland. These are just two of the many young crime fighters who have lost their lives to brutal criminals in the line of duty.

Have we stopped to consider how their families are coping with their untimely death?

The brutal murders of our young police officers have served to highlight just some of the many challenges faced by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Are they properly compensated for the very high-risk job that they perform? Are they issued with all the equipment and safety apparatus necessary to perform their duties safely and efficiently?

Can you imagine how discouraging it is for a young person who has studied at university for four years and graduating with a degree to end up with a measly $204 monthly after expenses. (See table) How are they expected to live?

Why are the authorities allowed to pay our young police officers this salary irrespective of whether they have a degree or not? The force asked for educated people to join their ranks, yet no consideration is given to your educational accomplishments.

The many dangers and risks associated with the job should also be taken into consideration when deciding on these pay packages. The problem the force faces today, with the many arrests of their colleagues for corruption and accepting bribes, is as a direct result of the poor salary paid for this high-risk job.

I am not in any way making an excuse for crooked cops, but the plain truth is that they are also been ripped off by successive governments in this country who are not paying attention to the good, honest policemen and policewomen who put their lives on the line everyday in honour of the oath they took to “protect and serve” the good citizens of this beloved country.

Hotshots

myviews50@hotmail.com

Let’s look at the salary and benefits of an entry level constable:

EARNINGS:

Salary $48,475

Housing allowance $25,680

Overtime (10 hrs fixed) $13,279

TOTAL: $87,434  

LIVING:

Statutory deductions (30%)

$26,230

Lunch (approx, $500) $12,000

Transportation $7,000

Rent (1

bedroom) $15,000

Light/Water/Cable/etc $12,000

Supermarket $15,000

TOTAL PAYMENTS $87,230  

SPENDING MONEY $204  

*Note there is no provision for phone cards.