Dear Editor,
What transpired with Constable Lindon Black, now affectionately called DJ Squaddie, is quite remarkable, perhaps because of how innocuous and peculiar his actions at the "scene of the crime" seemed. It has shown us that police officers are humans too, and maybe need structured avenues to satisfy and explore their humanness, as what marriage does for Christians and their sexuality.
However, I am concerned about the perception of the police force as being a "casual" institution, or maybe as one which is overseen by a board of "civilians" from any walk of life, including the many who are in support of DJ Squaddie. Such perceptions should not be, and must never be allowed to become reality.
The claim that actions taken by Constable Black, in grafting, are helpful to community, even if they are against direct orders, is misguided. Let us not forget that the concept of community policing places the primary onus on the community to be more vigilant, with the police being more receptive of its security concerns. This idea of on-duty police officers mingling with masses and doing what the masses do is nonsense. A police officer must always be an officer of the law, just as how a Christian must always be a Christian.
Anyone with far-sightedness will see Constable Black's disobedience in this small matter to be that which would obtain in larger, more serious matters and, by the security forces' standards, an act of treachery. All that the members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force need to do is what Police Commissioner Dr Carl Williams says or desires, and don't be intentionally oppressive towards the people, and don't be greedy. All we, the civilians, need to do, in turn, is to do our part and allow the commissioner to do his job, of which he is well capable and authorised.
Andre O Sheppy
Norwood, St James
astrangely@outlook.com
No 'DJ Squaddie' excuse
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What transpired with Constable Lindon Black, now affectionately called DJ Squaddie, is quite remarkable, perhaps because of how innocuous and peculiar his actions at the "scene of the crime" seemed. It has shown us that police officers are humans too, and maybe need structured avenues to satisfy and explore their humanness, as what marriage does for Christians and their sexuality.
However, I am concerned about the perception of the police force as being a "casual" institution, or maybe as one which is overseen by a board of "civilians" from any walk of life, including the many who are in support of DJ Squaddie. Such perceptions should not be, and must never be allowed to become reality.
The claim that actions taken by Constable Black, in grafting, are helpful to community, even if they are against direct orders, is misguided. Let us not forget that the concept of community policing places the primary onus on the community to be more vigilant, with the police being more receptive of its security concerns. This idea of on-duty police officers mingling with masses and doing what the masses do is nonsense. A police officer must always be an officer of the law, just as how a Christian must always be a Christian.
Anyone with far-sightedness will see Constable Black's disobedience in this small matter to be that which would obtain in larger, more serious matters and, by the security forces' standards, an act of treachery. All that the members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force need to do is what Police Commissioner Dr Carl Williams says or desires, and don't be intentionally oppressive towards the people, and don't be greedy. All we, the civilians, need to do, in turn, is to do our part and allow the commissioner to do his job, of which he is well capable and authorised.
Andre O Sheppy
Norwood, St James
astrangely@outlook.com
No 'DJ Squaddie' excuse
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