Garth Rattray

I was appalled to learn that four policemen moonlighting as security guards allegedly handcuffed and repeatedly beat Dr. Jephthah Ford senseless. This extremely well-known middle-age son of a policeman, businessman, politician and physician who has always assisted cops was one of the last persons that I expected to suffer such a fate.

Dr. Ford reportedly confronted the 'security guards' when he came to the defence of his sister (who was beaten by the same moonlighting policemen). Whatever transpired next involved his firearm and a punch - allegedly thrown by him. It's said that he re-holstered his weapon when he realised that her assailants were cops.

Relieved of weapon

They then relieved him of his weapon, handcuffed and repeatedly beat him until he slipped in and out of consciousness. His numerous injuries necessitated minor surgery, expensive investigative procedures and hospitalisation. If the cops did that to him, what about the rest of us? An older, weaker or unlucky victim would probably have died from such an attack and, since dead men tell no tales, we would never learn the truth.

Dr. Ford was charged with assault at common law and illegal possession of (his own) firearm and ammunition. They probably believed that his legal firearm licence had expired. However, it is my understanding that the recently formed Firearm Licensing Authority has advised that holders of legal weapons may renew their permits and certificates up to the end of this month the deadline for firearm licence renewals is usually March 31, they may be renewed up to April 30 - as set out in The Firearms Act, Section 44 (4).

At the Jamaica Police Academy, recruits receive lessons in social studies, human rights and making arrests (, among others). They are taught that if anybody does something that they believe warrants an arrest, they are only to restrain the suspect and take him/her into custody safely. Incidentally, 'custody' also means 'safekeeping'. Most members of the constabulary do just that. However, it is difficult to tell when and where the schism begins within the force. Because of this 'split personality', we end up with a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde constabulary. Unfortunately, unlike the Jekyll and Hyde portrayed in the 1886 novel by Robert Louis Stevenson wherein Dr. Jekyll dramatically undergoes a transformation to reveal his hideous misanthropic Mr. Hyde personality, good cops and bad cops look the same. We are therefore always at risk of encountering monsters masquerading as good policemen.

I am extremely sympathetic towards and supportive of the police. They put their lives on the line every day for our safety. They often work long arduous hours and their remuneration is usually inadequate to meet today's financial demands. I have many police friends and patients but I cannot deny the existence of inappropriately aggressive cops that appear 'frightened' by their seemingly limitless power over us (the civilians). Dr. Ford is by no means unique, but he is the most high-profile citizen to fall victim to police excess and brutality.

Some cops beat 'civilians' when arresting them, but they obviously know better. At least two policemen caught in sting operations (for extorting motorists) drew their firearms and resisted arrest, yet they were not beaten. They were taken into custody humanely - without excessive force. Every citizen deserves the same treatment.

I wish Dr. Ford a speedy recovery and I hope that, because of his terrible experience, the police hierarchy will embark on a zero-tolerance campaign to stamp out excessive use of force and brutality.

Next week: How police undermine security.