Dear Editor,

I read in one of the daily papers where the mayor of Kingston has suspended the employment of the municipal police officers. I am in agreement with him as all the people now employed in that capacity are causing additional strain on the Jamaica Constabulary Force, as they cannot work without the police being present to protect them, and furthermore they are not trained enough to carry out law functions.

That is why I am again calling on the mayors of the parishes and the Government to bring back the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF). These men will be able to function on their own without depending on the regular force for protection. Right now the many town centres are crying out for help from the police, as they are overrun by higglers and thieves, and venturing into any of the market districts in Kingston or rural Jamaica one may be robbed or possibly beaten. It is now plain to see how lawless the vendors have become; they block intersections and many sidewalks in the market areas right throughout the week. This has caused traffic pile-ups in the town centres.

This is the work of the previous People’s National Party Government and all the senior officers of the Jamaica Constabulary Force that agreed with the then commissioner of police to phase out the ISCF.

At this stage something must be done to remedy this untenable situation as it is affecting the citizens of Jamaica and tourism.

Farmers are also missing the ISCF. For this task I am recommending that the municipal police that they now have be trained as special constables and placed in the original blue seam uniform that is well known and recognised. Some retired ISCF officers could be re-employed on a part-time basis to supervise the men until they are able to carry on on their own. A part-time commandant should also be employed to give guidance from the top. I am suggesting retired Commandant Osmond Broomfield, who will select the retired officers, many of whom brought much integrity to the force then and ensured that the right thing was done. They will help to train the men on the ground after basic training. Each parish needs at least 80 special constables who will work on two shifts and form patrols.

With the special constabulary carrying out these duties this will release the regular police to deal with more hardened criminals and types of crime.

Concerned Jamaican