Improve welfare of police

THE EDITOR, Sir: I TOTALLY agree with the 10 points that Mark Shields put forward in his ‘Public Affairs’ column in The Sunday

Gleaner of February 4. It is full time the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) operate like a business entity and not an old boys’ club, where advancement is based on who you know and not by your ability to lead and perform.

However, Mr Shields makes a blatant omission on the welfare of the hard-working men and women of the JCF. Those 10 points won’t work with a demotivated police force. There are a few things that need to be undertaken.

1. Proper recognition of a policeman’s work, worth and contribution.

2. Constant training and development for the lower ranks.

3. Improve technology throughout the organisation and not just for MOCA.

4. Acquire drones and stop depending on police to stand at every intersection. Have wellequipped mobile patrol to respond to infractions spotted by the drones.

5. Upgrade and renovate police stations and other facilities to First-World standards.

6. Invest heavily in crimefighting software and hardware.

7. Proper compensation for police in the lower ranks who do the bulk of the work.

7. Proper health and educational benefits for the police and their families.

8. Full duty concessions for police who serve for 10 years and above, irrespective of their rank.

Add these to Mr Shields’ 10 points and we will see a police force well motivated and ready to work. CRANSTON KELLY cranston263@gmail.com