I WAS jolted by Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington's announcement of a new strategy to rid the police force of psychologically unstable personnel. It seems the proposed strategy came in hindsight, the damage already done. Nevertheless, I have no doubt that we will see a remission, real or imagined, in the levels of crimes associated with the police once the commissioner's plan is activated properly.

However, the signs of mental instability may appear to be something else, thus making it difficult for even the most illustrious psychiatrist or psychologist to discern. Therefore, one may raise concerns about the effectiveness of such a seemingly ideal plan, given the mere fact that it will not be so easy to identify those who are not mentally stable.

possible results

Some may also describe the strategy as ad hoc in its subtlest of appearance, due to the mere fact that disarming those police officers who are quarrelsome, have a history of substance and alcohol abuse, are intemperate, and are involved in spousal abuse will not be easy.

The implementation of a counselling programme for police personnel identified as mentally unstable could help in the long run. The difficulty that the commissioner will probably have to contend with is the individual's willingness to adhere to a "new lifestyle", or better yet, the individual's willingness to change.

Finally, the decision to disarm these cops - though he never said for how long they will be disarmed and when he will start - will certainly diminish the amount of fear that may have been raised across the island because of Corporal Llewellyn's massacre of four persons.

I am, etc.,

Shane Joseph

Shanejoseph_21@yahoo.com