The Editor, Sir:

It seems paradoxical that a system, which is expected to correct a negative situation, may be a contributing factor to the sustenance of that situation. The justice system of Jamaica, which, in reality, constitutes the police with their investigative and enforcement responsibilities, the courts and the prisons, could be considered as a contributing factor to the spate of crime in the society. As absurd as it may seem, the inherent leniency exerted through the operations of the justice system unintentionally breeds the perpetration of crime.

Perhaps, the ingredients of the recently announced crime plan represented a recipe, which was aimed at addressing the relative flaws in the apparatus of the justice system. The plan adequately considered the issues of detention, bail and imprisonment, in its quest to ensure a level of deterrent, although not sufficient, from engagement in hard-core criminal activities.

The awareness of leniency that cannot be easily manipulated or eliminated by 'well-thinking' individuals, who serve in the police force, courts and correctional department of the justice system, creates recidivists and perhaps motivates criminal-minded individuals to make their debut into crime. In the minds of the perpetrators, and potential perpetrators, there is an almost sure possibility, based on personal and observable experiences, that the justice system and its relative laws would provide means of escape or just offer what may be considered 'bearable' sentences.

For the Jamaican justice system to be classified as a 'crime fighter', it needs to harden its heart, through the operations of the security forces, courts system, correctional services and in, indeed, the provisions in its laws. Some of these laws are useless for their own purposes and, therefore, need to be urgently amended to fight crime.

Dressings for the wounds

With that in mind, the terms of the crime plan seem relevant in order to provide dressings for the wounds of the justice system as it provides timely guidelines, which give more power to the system, in its quest to address the spate of crime in the society. It will no doubt be criticised because of the element of inequity in society and the resultant pulls between sides. In addition, no change will be readily accepted, especially by those whom it affects most. The crime plan will fill the gaps in the justice system and give it more teeth to deal with criminals and crime. Although its not a panacea, let's see what the crime plan will do to ensure that the Jamaican justice system becomes a crime fighter instead of a crime contributor.

I am, etc.,

CANUTE WHITE

superpower342002@yahoo.ca

Via Go-Jamaica