Put district constables back in their right place
Published:Saturday | February 15, 2014 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I have a suggestion for the minister of national security and also the minister of justice on one measure to assist in the reduction of crime. That is to reintroduce the way districts were policed years ago.
Each district had a resident district constable and at least two resident authorised constables.
These officers would be officially commissioned and trained at the nearest police station. They would also be given intermittent training; and kept informed or updated on crime-fighting procedures and relevant associated issues.
By virtue of living in the districts, they would be aware of most, if not all, criminals and new faces in their areas.
What is the purpose of having district constables based in police stations? District constables and authorised persons should be in their individual districts where they would know practically all the residents. This would apply to both urban and rural districts.
This category of officers was not on a regular payroll, but was compensated for training attendances, making legitimate arrests and/or attendances in court.
District and authorised persons should be put back where they belong - in the districts.
LES FRANCIS
Mandeville, Manchester