Show district constables more respect

THE EDITOR, Sir: WE THE district constables of Jamaica are having a very difficult time with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The disrespect we face takes many forms and comes from members of every rank in the force.

“You are not trained; I went to training school, you did not.” “I am a member of the JCF, you are not.” “You are not entitled to any leave; your job is only to guard prisoners.” “You are dunce, uneducated fools.”

These are the disrespectful comments that we district constables have to endure daily from members of the JCF, from constable to the higher ranks from whom one would expect better.

Disrespect for district constables is an entrenched culture of the JCF. It is a well-established practice of the JCF to treat district constables with no regard.

With every change of government, there have been promises, over many decades, of better pensions and treatment, generally, of district constables, yet we have nothing to show.

Many young, educated district constables are disillusioned, but we continue to work hard and serve our country with dedication.

It seems to be more difficult for a district constable to join the regular forces than the ordinary man on the street, and yet we are doing the same work as the ‘red-seam’ police personnel.

ROY GREEN tegoroy@yahoo.com