Dear Editor,

The call for the commissioner of police to come from outside of the police force should not be entertained. The argument that because of inherent corruption within the force a good commissioner cannot be found is unrealistic. It is unlikely that all of the over 8,000 members of the force are corrupt.

Corruption is pervasive in this angelic island. I have heard church-going individuals tell tales of how they deceive Customs personnel when entering the island with goods for which duty should be paid. There may be many who cry with speakers from atop mountains about corruption, but they offer bribes to the police for their own convenience.

A police officer would not be allowed to head the army, neither would a teacher be given a red carpet to head the nurses’ association, and the newspapers may not want a banker to be the editor of their newspapers. Every new recruit with ambition would strive to reach the pinnacle of any organisation in which they see a career path. The politicians or those who are responsible for managing the police force should find the best person from within the force and set goals with a timeline.

The other issue is: why are we saddling the police with blame for the crime situation in Jamaica? Are we blameless?

Indiscipline is rampant, crudity is common, lack of concern about and respect for each other have taken a dive. The men who should be accompanying their children to church are found setting the less than ideal example at the betting shops on church days. The overworked law men need our support as well.

C McKoy

carmckoy@yahoo.com