Tesha Allison |’Comply then complain’: A force for good or recipe for abuse?

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) proudly carries the tagline ‘A Force for Good’. However, the recent reiteration of the ‘comply and then complain’ policy, which advises citizens to comply with police orders even if they violate their civil rights, starkly contradicts this slogan.

This policy, with its inherent irony, not only forces compliance, but also evokes feelings of abuse, lack of care, and a need to dehumanise individuals, which is in direct opposition to the JCF’s proclaimed mission.

Imagine being told, “If we mistreat you, comply now and complain later.” Such words inherently acknowledge potential abuse and expect citizens to accept it without question. With its colonial overtones, this directive tells citizens to brace for mistreatment and deal with it later. How can we expect people to respond positively to such a message?

Language holds immense power; it can heal, hurt, break, or bind. The language used by the JCF in the ‘comply and complain’ policy sends a message of dominance rather than service. It implies that the police are not here to protect and serve, but to force compliance regardless of the justice or fairness of their actions. This approach repels support and fosters an adversarial relationship between the police and the community.

INTENTIONAL APPROACH

The JCF needs to adopt a more intentional and compassionate approach to communication. Instead of enforcing compliance through fear, the JCF should foster a spirit of partnership and mutual respect. A more effective message would be: We expect cooperation to keep you safe. We can’t keep you safe without your help. We can have a beautiful Jamaica with your involvement. This is your community; what do you want it to be?” Such language puts the power in the hands of the people rather than taking it away. When words disempower people, they feel and act disempowered. Empowering language can foster a cooperative and positive relationship between the police and the community, emphasising the community’s integral role in this process.

The JCF has already proven how powerful it can be to invoke positive emotions from people. Look at the great success it has had with Wanted Wednesdays. This initiative, which invites the public to participate in creative ways in policing, has been successful because it engages the community positively and invites them to actively participate in maintaining safety. This is a clear example of how a collaborative approach can foster a positive relationship between the police and the community.

THE IMPACT

The ‘comply and then complain’ policy implicitly endorses an aggressive approach, which can increase tensions rather than alleviate them. It suggests that citizens should expect to be mistreated and figure out how to address it later. This approach needs to be revised as it undermines the trust that is essential for effective policing. No reasonable person would accept such a policy with open arms, as it goes against the principles of dignity and respect. This policy is not only ineffective, but also damaging to the relationship between the JCF and the community, and it’s time for a change.

1. Repelling Support: By implying that abuse is to be expected and accepted temporarily, the policy creates a barrier to public support. It fosters a defensive stance among citizens, who feel they must brace themselves for potential mistreatment rather than engage cooperatively with the police.

2. Fostering Distrust: The directive communicates a lack of accountability and respect, which erodes public confidence in the police force. People are more likely to view the police as an oppressive force rather than a protective service, hindering the JCF’s efforts to build a positive relationship with the community.

THE IRONY

The JCF’s tagline, ‘A Force for Good,’ starkly contrasts the implications of the ‘comply and then complain’ policy. The term ‘force’ evokes memories of slavery and oppression, where power was exerted without regard for justice or humanity. Sometimes, the police must be forceful without question or hesitation, but it should not be the overall theme. Since when does good have to be forced?

Does the JCF believe that the people it serves are inherently evil and must be forced into good? Is that the energy behind the slogan? The JCF must move away from this coercive language and approach to be a force for good indeed. The police should not be seen as a force to be feared but as a supportive entity working in partnership with the community to ensure safety and justice. The JCF has the potential to be a true ‘Force for Good’ in Jamaica, and it is time to embrace that potential.

To realign the JCF’s policies with its transformative goals and to build a collaborative relationship with the public, I propose the following recommendations, which hold the potential to bring about positive change:

1. Adopt Collaborative Language: Shift from directives that imply dominance to those that promote partnership. Use language that emphasizes mutual respect and cooperation for community safety. Empower the community with words that invite participation and collaboration rather than enforcing compliance through fear.

2. Promote Accountability and Transparency: Implement robust mechanisms for holding officers accountable for misconduct. Transparency in actions and decisions will build public trust and demonstrate the JCF’s commitment to serving and protecting, not dominating. Clear procedures for addressing complaints and grievances should be established and communicated to the public.

3. Engage in Public Communication: Develop and maintain clear, consistent communication about the JCF’s dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of citizens. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs can reinforce this commitment. Highlighting positive interactions and community partnerships, like Wanted Wednesdays, can showcase the JCF’s role as a supportive and collaborative force.

For people to trust the JCF’s transformation, they need to witness it beyond technological advancements and a vibrant social media presence. The transformation is about changing policies and communication approaches and building genuine trust and goodwill with the community.

The public is keenly observant, often looking for reasons to distrust the police. It is crucial not to give them one. By consistently demonstrating respect and maintaining accountability, the JCF can solidify its transformation and foster a positive relationship with the community, reassuring them of the JCF’s commitment to change.

Tesha Allison is a Weston, Florida based attorney-at-law. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com