Stop blaming the police - Ombudsman

Political Ombudsman, Donna Parchment Brown, says Jamaicans should stop shunting blame on to the police for the country’s high number of murders.

Speaking on the topic “Violence in Jamaica: Who has the Power to Stop it?” at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Trafalgar New Heights in St Andrew late last week, the Ombudsman defended the men and women of the police force, noting that they are simply an easy target. 

She says although there are weaknesses in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Jamaicans cannot continue to disrespect the police without impacting the morale of the force and, potentially, their service delivery. 

Parchment Brown says the country cannot continue to point fingers at personnel when the JCF and court system are under-resourced.  

She says more effort and resources must be allocated in a sustainable way through programmes and facilities that focus on the social needs of people.

She has also urged Jamaicans to stop treating violence as a distant issue from their realities and to become more vociferous about issues that contribute to crime.

The political ombudsman says citizens can also contribute to resolving the crime problem by peaceably resolving disputes.

She says Jamaicans also need to stay informed about how cruelty and disrespect impact others and how poor parenting negatively shapes and influences children.

Parchment Brown also called for political aspirants, parties and their representatives to be careful how they assist in validating crime and violence through their conduct.