The Editor, Sir:

I have been following your debate regarding the situation within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the impact, or otherwise, of the British officers with some interest.

I was one of the British officers who came to the island for a short term to review the murders of Oliver Duncan and Kemar Walters. I, therefore, had the privilege of working not only with your British senior officers, but also many other members of the JCF. I was so impressed by the attributes and problems your island has that I have followed closely The Gleaner online since I left.

I feel obliged to write to you, as I found that not only were the British officers themselves dedicated to making things better in Jamaica - at considerable personal risk - but also, there were many members of the JCF who I found to be professional, competent and honest. In particular, when I met officers in Kingfish and the Anti-Corruption Branch, they were as professional as any investigators I have encountered anywhere. I would be happy to work with them in any situation.

all-pervading mistrust

What I did find, however, was when talking with members of the public that there was such a deep-seated and all-pervading mistrust of the force as a whole that overcoming this must be at the heart of any solution. Until this is resolved, the future for the JCF will be difficult.

The question must be, who are the right people to achieve this? Will someone who has spent his entire career in the JCF ever be able to persuade the public that he can succeed? I wish you well!

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL TURNER

mick@theturnerhome.net