I was talking the other day to two young men to get an idea of how things have been going in the Spanish Town area, which can all too often be a war zone. I hear members of the police and military are on patrol to bring order into the community. These are serious times. Order must be maintained.

It has been less than a week since a state of public emergency was declared for the St Catherine North Police Division on Sunday, March 18. A news release from the Jamaica Information Service reported: “The state of emergency comes against the background of increasing criminal activity, including murders and extortion, in the police division, in particular the Spanish Town area. Police statistics show that the St Catherine North division has recorded the highest number of homicides this year, with 48 persons being killed since January 1 to March 18. Last year, 136 persons were killed in the division. The measures will last for an initial 14 days.”

As a nation we have lost too many in the wave of wickedness which robs our society of far too many members of our communities. The line has to be drawn. Members of the security forces are making sacrifices as they patrol the streets, night and day. We, the people, owe them much for what they do. Just conisider the long hours in cold nights they spend in places beset with danger.

Talk the truth now, how many citizens recognise the value of what those men and women of the security forces go through day and night? Are we aware of the contribution they make to save the lives of others?

In the conversation, the two youngsters weren’t too pleased at the way they say police and soldiers can ‘rough up’ members of the public, young men especially. They admitted that, whenever they get searched, or are asked too many questions, it can be very frightening. They, however, understood why they had to undergo the questioning. They are fully aware that “nuff bad man outta road”.

“So, what you guys want? I asked. “You must know the bad stuff that is going on. This is not Sunday School. Life hard-hard. Do you ever think what the police and the soldiers go through?” I asked.

Their response was: “Yeah, we know, but dem can talk to us better than that.”

I had to admit that I understand how the young men felt. People in the troubled areas have feelings too. They need some more understanding of what it is like to be caught between the law and the lawless.

Question: So what was the alternative? What should police and soldiers do? It is not a joke thing, one of the guys said. It is a serious matter for all involved. Just as my young friends worried about the possibility of being wrongly detained, the men and women on patrol know that any moment can turn into a life and death situation. I suggested to my two friends that they should be sure that they travel with their identification and, if faced with the rough treatment, they should respond in as calm a manner as possible. “Hand inna lion mout, tek time draw-i out”, old timers say.

On the other side of the story I had a word with a member of the security team who told me about 16-hour days on their feet. Even getting a hot meal can be a challenge. The men and women, although hungry, can’t just stop and ‘buy a lunch’ while on patrol. It is not easy for them, or the members of the public, with whom they have to remain in contact.

It is more than fashionable nowadays to criticise police personnel. We are quick to try and ‘sentence’ them on the accusation of law-breaking, like extortion from motorists. I can’t recall many occasions in which the security forces have brought to the law a citizen who had to admit that they offered a bribe to a cop.

It is more than time for the cops to save their name and reputation. I believe there are members of the security forces who know the word “integrity”. Yes, I really believe so. It is full time that this is made known. A new generation should come to know that there really are honest people in the land of their birth. The youth should be able to grow up with a sense of respect and trust in those who are there to serve and protect them.

Do you remember that saying, “A child will lead them”? A cheerful story came my way. A four-year-old, out shopping with grandma, saw a group of police in the Spanish Town area earlier this week. Where an adult would keep their distance, from the simple, pure heart of a child there came a positive thought. As she passed the officers she called out a greeting, to which they courteously responded. On their journey they came across other officers, only one of the group didn’t seem to know that even a child can appreciate a greeting. When she called out to them and got no response, she wasn’t happy at all. Do I hear you saying, “Police nuh have time fi play wid pickney inna hard time”? Something tells me that even a little spot of kindness from a child shouldn’t be ignored.

Police life nuh easy. We criticise them every day, but imagine what our situation would be if there were no dedicated professionals in the constabulary. There are police personnel who are on their feet from morning until night. Next time you see them, do like the youngster and thank them. As to those people, young and old, in the areas affected by “enhanced security measures”, I hope they will be guided and encouraged to help build up our country. Yeah, man, wi tired ah di buttu behaviour of those who keep us all hostage. We can do better than we’re doing now. One love! All of us need it.

Barbara Gloudon is a journalist, playwright and commentator. Send comments to the Observer or gloudonb@yahoo.com.