This metaphor, 'war on crime', is becoming dangerous. It may serve as a useful rhetorical flourish to highlight the grave national threat of crime, but many of us now behave and speak as if it were a real war. For instance, a few months ago, all the top brass of our national security establishment were men trained in the art of war, not in the science of policing. Little wonder that the ideology of combat has sidelined community policing not only in our vocabulary, but in the published plans of our able and clearly effective Minister Nelson.

More ominously, the plans for crime control, suggested in the media by citizens, indicate that this metaphor has merged with our view of reality and is becoming a threat to the rule of law. This false reality is also constructed by the many warlike declarations of our leaders, and has been highlighted by our media over the years. The many lost 'battles' in this protracted 'war' will continue to add toxins to our conflict-driven culture and nurture our unfulfilled expectations for a victory in this 'war' with no fronts and no clearly identified enemy. It could lead to mass disaffection soon.

I am, etc,

HAROLD CROOKS

Kingston 8