Police alone can’t solve crime

THE EDITOR, Madam:

AS IT relates to dealing with the matter of crime and violence it would seem as a society we are always looking for a ‘scapegoat’ in the Office of the Police Commissioner, and by extension, the entire force. Currently, we are seeing this being played out in the media and the wider society.

There seems to be great expectations to suggest that the new police commissioner should produce whatever it takes to reduce crime. The reality is that if the problem of crime is to be curbed or lessened the social issues that contribute to crime and violence must be addressed – some of which are unemployment, squatting, poor living condition, lack of social amenities, among others. These i mpact human behaviour in a negative way.

While the commissioner along with the full complement of the force must see it as their responsibility to solve crime, there must be support policy given by the government at hand if this objective is to be achieved and for crime to be reduced. The Jamaica Constabulary Force falls under the guidance of the Ministry of National Security, and the minister in charge makes policy decisions concerning the force, of which the commissioner enforces. While we can appreciate the administrative and operational structures of the force, I must hasten to say, the management of crime cannot be the sole responsibility of the Ministry of National Security along with the security forces, as we have grown accustomed to believe. Instead, a collaborative effort of all the other ministries and the citizens are needed if we are to conqueror the monster of crime and violence, including domestic violence.

DALBERT LAING