Too many snafus

Dennie Quill, Gleaner Columnist

Not many people would have been comfortable with reports that Christopher 'Dog Paw' Linton was transported from the Horizon Remand Centre to the Half-Way Tree Court on Monday, but did not face the court because of administrative bungling. In these days of heightened communication, it would take a mere phone call or a text message to say, "Don't take him to court today."

According to reports, Linton's case did not appear on the court list on Monday, and papers relating to his arrest and charges laid against him were not available. That is simply unbelievable. Media reports detailing the charges and time of appearance had been circulating for days, so the only persons who were taken by surprise on Monday were the court administrators and the police.

Considering that for two years Linton, alleged leader of the notorious Dog Paw Gang, blamed for murder, shootings, arson and extortion, eluded the police, it is important that he be handled with extreme caution. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence about prisoners in custody disappearing from courts, hospitals and other public places. Somehow we never hear how, handcuffed and chained, some of them managed to pull off these daring escapes.

Indeed, we need not think too far back to one such successful escape from police custody from a maximum-security facility. We are told it was an administrative snafu that led to the release of Linton's alleged lieutenant, Nicholas Nesbeth, from the Mobile Reserve days after he had been nabbed in upper St Andrew last month.

So far, we have not heard who made the error, what has been done to prevent a recurrence, and whether anyone has been held responsible for this security lapse. And worse, Nesbeth is still at large. Although the police have vowed to recapture him, there is not much evidence that the search for Nesbeth is on in earnest. Is there a reward for information leading to his recapture? Are there photos of him circulating so that persons can report any sightings of him? Are there warnings of criminal prosecution if persons are found harbouring, aiding and abetting him? Mr Commissioner, not many people believe Nesbeth's recapture will come easily. And it cannot happen without the help of citizens.

Handle with care

Given that background, it is all the more reason why police personnel should handle Linton with extreme care, if indeed he is as dangerous as we are made to believe. Transporting him over long distances is one way of giving access to any of his cronies who may want to snatch him from police custody. Observers have asked why it is necessary to announce the name of the facility where he is being held or when he is due to attend court.

For witnesses and victims of the Dog Paw Gang, this is bound to be an emotional time. The case will stir up for them bad memories, and we are well aware of the fear that exists among potential witnesses. The commissioner must move to assure people that the Jamaica Constabulary Force is eager to get dangerous criminals off the streets and keep them locked away until they have their day in court.

Dennie Quill is a veteran media practitioner. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and denniequill@hotmail.com.