Citizens worldwide require better policing

Dear Editor,

Recent incidents around the world have triggered protests against the police. People worldwide are demanding better policing services and are taking a stand by protesting whether violently or peacefully. In Jamaica, we have had many demonstrations over the use of lethal force. Steps are to be taken to ensure that less lethal options are used and training must be given to police officers.

Nonetheless, crime prevention is where we need to go, and the only true way to have crime prevention is to have everyone working together. Community policing's main objective is partnership. We need to work closely with the youth to effect a generational change. We are allowing our young to be brought up without proper guidance and coordination by the State, communities, the parents, and the police. If we do not work with the Jamaica Constabulary Force to create safer communities we will find more confrontation between the police and criminals.

Community policing involves all actors within the community. For a system to work efficiently, all parts of the system need to be working, not just the police, the education system, the health services, social services, or infrastructural development. We all have to work together with the police to make Jamaica safer.

Last week we celebrated Police Week with the theme 'Restoring community confidence through sustained partnership', let us assist the police to make the change that is needed. We have more to gain than to lose by partnering with the police.

Eron Samuels

eronsamuels@gmail.com

Citizens worldwide require better policing

-->