Honour the life of Linroy Codner

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing to express my condolences on the passing of Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Constable Linroy Codner who was severely injured in a hit-and-run and later succumbed to his injuries. This is an immense loss to the St James police division and the entire police force. Every single police officer serving is quite an enormous asset of the JCF.

Following the hit-and-run, police launched a manhunt for the suspect, identified as Dillion Reid, also known by the aliases ‘Bulby’ and ‘CJ’. Reid surrendered to authorities on October 5, accompanied by his attorney.

I have been informed that he was a very hard-working, dedicated professional and highly responsible member of the police force who did his job with honesty and distinction. He was a very dependable police officer and will be widely missed by his colleagues and the force.

The job of a police officer in Jamaica is a most difficult one and often their jobs are made even more challenging when some Jamaicans recklessly disrespect them on a daily basis. No form of respect for the police force members and for law, order and discipline in this country. The majority of police officers in this country are decent, respectable, caring and professionals who do their jobs to the best of their abilities. But are at times that they are unfairly and without merit lambasted by irresponsible people whose main duty and role is to tear down the police force and denigrate the officers who serve the force. It is about time that the citizens of this country begin to show consistent respect for JCF members, cooperate with them when needed. The people need to demonstrate that police officers are valued and have the respect of citizens of Jamaica. The wanton and high levels of brutish disrespect for police officers in this country must be brought to an end.

Begin to support the police force, commend the JCF when needed and warranted and give their unyielding support to Commissioner of Police Dr Kevin Blake. He has been performing very well since his appointment and I wish him well. It is very sad in the manner in which Constable Codner died. Let us honour his life and give thanks for his service to the JCF. Gone too soon.

ROBERT DALLEY