The Editor, Sir:

It comes to me as no surprise the overwhelming response to the police commissioner's announcement that policemen will be given less lethal weapons on certain operations.

I would like to warn all of who are cheering the announcement that it could also serve as a motivating factor for criminals who believe that they can challenge the law at any time.

The police commissioner should ensure that he is not exposing the law-abiding members of the force to dangerous criminals. I heard the commissioner stating that the MP5 firearm is used in England and has been very successful; but the scenario in Jamaica is totally different. The British forces are not faced with dangerous criminals who possess high-powered weapons.

The Jamaican police are faced with some dangerous criminals and the police should have the appropriate weapons to defend themselves before we can expect then to protect us. The commissioner should know based on his experience that the criminals in Jamaica are so unpredictable and unrepentant.

Innocent death

It is no secret that this latest development is the death of an eleven-month-old baby in a police operation recently. I am strongly of the view that the police often use their weapons out of fear, and who can blame them in a society that seems to support criminals.

Yes, we are all upset based on the level of police shootings. However, this will not change if we give the police less lethal weapons. The MP5 can take life as well. What we need to do is go on a serious campaign and remove the criminals from their hiding places. Some communities need to be locked down for a few weeks until all the guns are recovered and criminals captured. After this is done, then the police will have no excuse for using lethal force.

I am, etc.,

C. DAVIS - ACCA, Bsc WBA.

ccraig73@yahoo.com