The Editor, Sir:

I am not shocked by Detective Constable Lyn-Sue's confession. It just confirms a case of police misconduct. However, in making what seems to be a sincere confession of professional misconduct, Constable Lyn-Sue must be prepared to face the consequences for breaking the law, as will be decided by his superiors and the legal system.

I am, however, surprised by the following responses of the detective's colleagues that appeared in The Gleaner of January 21.

Some of his colleagues are said to be worried that irreparable damage might have been done to the careers of the other policemen who were involved in the investigation. If Lyn-Sue's confession is true, the damage to the career of the policemen involved was that of their conspiring to fabricate evidence two years ago, not the current confession to wrongdoing.

Some believe that Lyn-Sue was foolish to admit to fabrication of evidence since this was done two years ago. Lapse of time is not a satisfactory reason to refuse undoing an injustice.

There is annoyance that Lyn-Sue acted in contravention of the secret pact which required that no one backtrack from a contrived storyline, regardless of the consequences. This sentiment acknowledges that some law officers who are sworn to uphold the law are willing to conspire to act in contravention of the law and believe this is acceptable behaviour in spite of the unethical and unjust consequence. This attitude is motivated by a misguided sense of loyalty that does not draw a line between right and wrong, and is willing to fabricate evidence and commit perjury.

Another is angry that Lyn-Sue's Christian conversion led him to "talk foolishness" and mash up other people's life. But, isn't the original consequence of fabrication of evidence more destructive by undermining the integrity of the justice system? The initial action is what destroys trust in the police. In addition, the lawman and his colleagues compromised the judicial process with the fabricated evidence.

Ammunition to attack

Others are fearful that Lyn-Sue's confession provided police detractors, human rights people and police haters with ammunition to attack their credibility and further destroy the image of the constabulary. This statement, in addition to the others expressing irritation at Lyn-Sue, have done more damage to the credibility and image of the constabulary than the confession.

Lyn-Sue's conversion and confession have initiated a process that calls for a revamping of the whole justice system. The training programme for our lawmen has to overcome the obvious misconceptions and misguided motivations that undermine the integrity of law enforcement. The preparation of our police must reinforce the code of ethics that is necessary for an effective approach to policing. In addition, the necessary resources and support that must be had from our government and the court system need urgent attention so as to provide the means of limiting the aberrations in the system that frustrate the course of true justice. In other words, let the stakeholders admit to the problem, identify the remedy and apply accordingly.

I am, etc.,

Rev. Fr. KENNETH RICHARDS

Rector, Holy Trinity Cathedral

Kingston