Online feedback

Below are edited excerpts from comments posted online at www.jamaica-gleaner.com by readers to yesterday's editorial 'Enforce the law'.

Yes, along with harsh punishment

I agree totally that the laws must be enforced. However, for law enforcement to be successful, enforcement should come with requisite harsh punishment (heavy fines and/or imprisonment) upon conviction. An example from foreign: Years ago in New York, it was customary for commuters to jump the turnstile to get to the train. The city government enforced a zero tolerance to that practice. Cops were vigilant. Heavy fines and/or imprisonment were imposed on those caught jumping the turnstile. That problem was solved.

- Authnel Reid

We've been here before

Well said, and to show you how we attack these things sporadically, I can remember the last Jamaica Labour Party administration of the '80s making a concerted effort to get all these illegal trades, including the many auto-mechanic shops all over the place, in an organised manner.

Alas, civil society was sleeping from 1989 to 2007, and now everything must be done overnight.

If it is any conciliation to the Golding's administration, you are not alone, the Barack Obama administration in the US is grappling with a similar situation.

- Dougie

We don't need more laws

I trust that the police will seek to do just that as the 'softer' offences certainly result in a deterioration of the quality of life. I have always maintained, that for the most part, our main problem was not that we necessarily need more laws but that those that we have are not being enforced.

- Esther

Priortise enforcement

Yes, the police must enforce the law but it should priortise its enforcement. It cannot be seen to be evicting old women from street corners while robbers are so brazen, they are even robbing and killing policemen. This does not sit right with citizens . The police need the cooperation of citizens if they are going to be effective in anything.I think it is fair to say the police have failed us all in all departments, whether in hard or soft crime, or just in the way they generally oppress and extort motorists.

Jamaica is in desperate need of a good police force. Unfortunately, we are nowhere near getting the same anytime soon. It would be a miracle if we could achieve a good police force before we get good governance.

- Jamma