Kill them before they kill you - Adams

Reneto Adams, the colourful former senior superintendent of police, has urged the people of Tredegar Park, St Catherine, to defend themselves in the wake of yesterday's attack, which left eight people dead in the community.

Adams arrived in Tredegar Park yesterday morning hours after residents woke up to find five males and three females shot dead by criminals.

With residents shouting for his return to the area which he once ruled with an iron fist, Adams expressed sorrow at the deaths.

"I'm here to empathise with the families who have been hurt by criminal elements. I have known the families for many, many years because I live particularly close to this community," Adams said.

He charged that Tredegar Park was home to several residents of decent character, even though there were criminals in their midst.

"I drove in this community. I know that criminal elements are here, gunmen are here. I passed some of them sitting there also, but I'm not afraid of them, and I'm imploring you all to form a guard against these people to protect yourselves," Adams said.

According to Adams, he has long warned Jamaica about the threat of dangerous criminals who he likened to dangerous crocodiles and alligators.

"My policy is that where criminals are concerned, we are to identify them and treat them like the ferocious crocodiles and alligators, having them killed in the eggs before the are hatched," Adams said.

"Anywhere you see the alligators and crocodiles, have them killed before they devour you."

Not supporting lawlessness

But Adams was clear that he was not supporting lawlessness on the part of the residents.

"I'm not saying you are to go and do anything outside of the law, but as long as you are attacked, you must repel it by taking the necessary action," said Adams.

He urged the residents to find a policeman or woman to whom they could trust to pass information to deal with the crime problem that has plagued the community for the past seven years.

Adams, a controversial crime fighter, retired from the force after a lengthy career which saw him attract as many admirers as critics.

His hard-core style of policing upset many human-rights advocates, but he won the respect of several persons who argued that he drove fear into the hearts of criminals.