Give us a police force we can trust

Allan Douglas, Guest Columnist

The commissioner of police assured us some weeks ago that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) could be trusted. However, now that INDECOM has very recently made certain revelations of investigations under way regarding the disturbing, if not scandalous, conduct of cops in Clarendon, would the commissioner now still maintain his earlier view that we can trust the force? What about our Gordon House lawmakers? Do they also believe the JCF can be trusted?

It appears our lawmakers have lost touch with the people's mood regarding the trust and respect they have for the JCF. If they are not out of touch, they are certainly in a state of denial.

In this country last year, there were more than 250 police killings, allegations of police death squads, allegations of at least nine murders carried out by the police, questionable conduct regarding the handling of evidence during the investigation of a recently concluded murder trial, the shooting of a taxi man in Hanover, and altercations with another taxi man in Mandeville. There was also the murder of Kamoza Clarke in the Falmouth police lock-up.

In light of these events, what is it going to take for our lawmakers to wake up? Which of them is going to take the lead and put a stop to what appears to be a brutal and corrupt police force?

A few of our representatives come to mind to lead the charge. Our attorney general is an outstanding lawyer, who represents the constituency in which Kamoza Clarke was killed by the police. Or do we consider the out-of-steam, ageing mobiliser, Dr D.K. Duncan, who is MP for the constituency in which the taxi man was shot five times.

Then there is also 'Reparations Henry', who has probably been one of the longest-serving MPs in Clarendon, where the alleged police killing spree is reported to have taken place. But then he might be too busy getting the white man way over yonder to pay for the sins of his fathers, who slaughtered and enslaved our forebears.

unjustly deprived of human rights

What about Pearnel Charles? After all, he also represents a constituency in Clarendon, and of all our lawmakers, he knows what it feels like to be unjustly deprived of human rights.

Frankly, my choice to lead the charge against the rotting JCF would be one of our fine female representatives. After all, it is our ladies who have stood up to the might of 'backra' to save us from his lashes so many times in our history. This time, without having to sacrifice themselves, one expects great things from one of them as the standard-bearer. Or are they too busy advancing female quotas for representation or keeping some of their nitwit male colleagues in place when they abuse women?

Please don't tell me INDECOM will solve the problem in time. And that reported cases of police shootings have decreased steadily since INDECOM came into being. The reality is that the underbelly of the JCF is rotten, and nothing will do but surgery performed by the men and women in Gordon House.

leaders accountable to no one

Our present-day leaders appear to be accountable to no one. They are not listening or not understanding the people's cries. The people are involving themselves in confrontations with the police because they don't respect them; they see them as oppressive and corrupt, and feel powerless about turning to their lawmakers to gain speedy redress and protection.

How could our lawmakers introduce laws such as the anti-gang legislation, to be enforced by a police force that is suspect, if not corrupt? How do the people's representatives allow all sorts of human-rights abuses to be meted out daily by the security forces without treating these events with a sense of outrage and urgency?

It seems our lawmakers are making a mockery of democracy, as they do not serve their constituents. Instead, they serve their own interest as masters, and the constituents, the natives, are kept in check by any means necessary.

Leadership cannot continue to blow hot and cold in respect of the JCF. It must take a stand. We need a police force that serves and protects all Jamaica. A police force we can trust. A police force that respects the lives of all Jamaicans. If our lawmakers are incapable of handing us that type of force, they should, to borrow the words of one of their colleagues, "pack their bags and go"!

Allan Douglas is a retired JDF colonel. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and alldouglas@aol.com.