THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM DISGUSTED and appalled with how often members of the security forces are featured in the limelight for the wrong reasons. Over the last couple of years we have seen a drastic increase in the numbers of questionable police shootings. This has been a growing concern to me, and the population in general. These shootings have caused numerous protests by the residents within their communities that knew the victims well. I'm not gullible to think that all these victims were as innocent as the protestors try to make them out to be. Neither am I gullible enough to believe the police's textbook response to these shootings.
Personally, I'm afraid of the police, and dread the night I run into them on a lonely street. I can just hear the report now, "A young man was shot and killed last evening after a police party saw a group of men acting suspiciously and accosted them. The men opened fire on the police and ran into different directions. The police took evasive actions and returned fire and a subsequent search of the area revealed that one of the men was hit." (Heard it so many times, it's so easy to recite word for word).
I just imagine after that report the mixed feelings it would evoke from those who know me. There would surely be those who wouldn't believe it for a minute. Then there would be those who would be saying to himself, "I really thought I knew him."
RELATIONSHIP WITH RESIDENTS
Similar to my feelings, there are a lot of people who do not trust the police. On one hand there are those good cops in the force trying to build and maintain a good relationship with residents. On the other hand all their efforts are being undermined by the actions of a few bad apples in the force.
This is a very sad situation, as the present problem of crime and violence that has the country in its firm grip will need the collective efforts of the security forces and residents. I'm positive that a lot more people would come forward with information on the incidents that they witnessed or knew about, if they trusted the police. For there to be harmony with the police and residents, those at the top must seek to rid the force of all the undesirables. On the other hand this is easier said than done.
I am, etc.,
MARIO RICHARDS
Student U.C.C.
Greater Portmore, St. Catherine
