Establish a reserve police force

THE EDITOR, Madam:

A reduction in crime in Jamaica is excellent news for which the minister of national security, the commissioner of police, and the Jamaica Defence Force should be commended. However, we should not get complacent. To achieve further reductions in crime, we should not only invest in technological resources but also invest in human resources to utilise these resources effectively. Let’s not be naïve; we need more men and women to serve, protect, and reassure the citizens and visitors in Jamaica. Hence, a reserve police force would be ideal.

The reserve police force would have a similar mechanism to the Jamaica National Reserve in the Jamaica Defence Force. This would allow the return of former police officers and former Jamaica Defence Force members who wish to continue serving and are currently serving in other capacities. Many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, and China, have reserve police forces. For instance, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States of America has reported a three per cent reduction in violent crime. On another note, a reserve police force would alleviate the strain on other police officers, particularly in terms of skill and operational capacities. Additionally, even during a crisis, extra personnel will be deployed to assist. Numerous police officers and soldiers who have garnered skills while serving have resigned. Therefore, retaining them will increase the boots on the ground, but also lower the crime rate under 1,000 - a dream I hope Jamaica can achieve.

CHEVAUGN ROBINSON

chevaugnrobinson@yahoo.

com