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Police ranks should be an example of the law
DEAR EDITOR,
Today I write this letter because I am unable to travel to Georgetown at the moment, to meet with the Commissioner of Police. I need to highlight that we need better policing. I will be making an appointment to engage the Commissioner on some very disturbing matters.
Some policemen at Port Kaituma Police Station need to execute their duties in a professional manner. We the citizens of this country need to adhere to the Rule of Law and this also goes to the policemen who ought to know that they are not above the law and they themselves are citizens.
Policemen need to serve without fear and favour, because they took an oath to do so. No fear and favour must come within the boundaries of their duties because of some friendly affair.
In the years gone by, citizens used to befriend the police and yet Law and Order was carried out. I remember those old days when we heard that a Commander or Officer-in-Charge of our area is expected to visit; we used to be so happy. Everyone was glad to meet, greet and interact.
Today, the police and the people do not have that relationship. I can say this because I had some encounters with them and as an elder in my community, I have been given several reports (allegations) against the police.
From my observations and common sense, I do know that the police and the people need to have a better relationship where the people must upkeep the Law, so should the policemen. Policemen ought not to be bias in their decision in respect to the Law, which oftentimes result in them being arrogant and brutalizing their detainees and victimization is extended to the family members and it never stops.
This results in a standoff between the police and the community. I was once told by a police officer that he did not come here for people to like him. That is his choice, but the Police need to know their duties and responsibility to serve and protect. The public should not feel afraid or fearful of approaching the police when they are in need of the police’s services.
Police and the people must have respect for each other. The police should not be thought of as enemies of the people likewise the people should not be viewed of as enemies of the police.
In everything there is good and bad, positive and negative. If we break the law, the police are there to make sure that we face the judgment, not for them to break the law too and trump up charges against the detainee after brutalizing them. It only makes matters worse and sends the wrong message to the detainees who may have in some way broken the Law.
Our youths need rehabilitation not brutalization. Policemen should be an example of the law, council those who have broken the law. Attempt to make them understand why they were detained so that they can be aware in the future. Being brutal does not bring about good results; they may want to return that favour in some way if given the opportunity. It may cause them to lose all faith in the justice system. The influential is easily influenced by their environment and their upbringing can take second place. This is how the Police and the community come into play as a guide for our youths and some older folks. The professionalism and diligence of the Police will bring about less negative confrontations.
Yours truly,
Lorraine McIntyre (Walcott)
Arakaka, North West District
Region 1
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