Good job, Commish

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I wish to commend the men and women of the security forces, especially the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and its fine leader, Commissioner Owen Ellington, for their untiring efforts to curb crime and maintain order within the society.

A decrease in the per-annum figure for murder, from 1,682 in 2009 to 1,430 in 2010, in an environment characterised by such a high level of indiscipline among youth and intense rivalry between criminal gangs involved in drug trafficking and extortion is no simple achievement.

Similarly, a decrease of seven per cent in major crimes, from 11,939 to 11,062, in a global situation in which major developed countries like the United States and member states of the European Union are experiencing increased levels of crime, including robberies and rapes, is welcome news for the ears of all Jamaicans.

As a former minister of national security, and member of parliament for an extensive urban constituency (North West St Andrew) with several volatile inner-city communities, I am well aware of the challenges, and I am very appreciative of the efforts of the JCF, supported by the Jamaica Defence Force, in combating these problems.

I believe that much of this success is because of the full support the Government has given to their efforts, especially in terms of its hands-off policy, as well as a serious attempt to find resources to improve the capability of the police, despite the economic crisis.

I also believe that Commissioner Ellington has been a critical factor in this success. He has displayed exceptional leadership qualities, and his courage and candour are both refreshing and exemplary.

I am very impressed with the improvements in the clear-up rate of cases, especially murders, over the past year. This was a matter of grave concern for me as minister as the inability to clear up crimes reduces public confidence in the security system. I know this also creates additional burden on the courts, but the duty of the police is to clear up criminal cases, and let the courts administer justice.

Main challenge

The main challenge facing the security forces, at this point, is to continue this impressive record of improvement in 2010 until we have re-established a culture of discipline and good order, destroyed the criminal gangs, and reduced crime and violence to more tolerable levels.

Improving the relationship between the police and the communities, especially inner-city communities which are most affected by crime and violence, is crucial if this momentum is to be maintained. The level of extra-judicial killings must be addressed, and in this vein, I welcome the establishment of the Independent Commission of Investigations, another of the promises in the Jamaica Labour Party's 2007 election manifesto fulfilled. I believe that as finances allow, we will be able to fully equip this important commission very soon.

The efforts of the commissioner to weed out bad cops last year is also an encouraging sign and shows the seriousness of his leadership in dealing with corruption.

I look forward to another year of success in 2011, and assure the forces that I will continue to do all in my will to support its efforts and to encourage my constituents to do likewise.

I am, etc.,

DERRICK SMITH, MP