Challenges, expectations for new Commissioner of Police: A call for unity and support

Given the current crime situation and the penchant for too many in our society for wild speculation and rumour-mongering, abusing the availability of social media and radio talk-shows, it is far from an ideal climate for someone to be appointed Head of the local constabulary. Add to this the ever-present party-political bickering which can sometimes border on interference, and we have a far from ideal situation.

Nevertheless, it is reassuring that a new Commissioner of Police has been appointed to replace retired Commissioner Colin John. Whatever the merits or demerits of any person given such an unenviable task, we must never renege on offering thanks to any outgoing holder of such a demanding but thankless job. Equally, it is important that we be measured in our expectations of the new Commissioner so that he does not feel pressured into feeling that he must deliver overnight to prove himself. The decision having been made, it is vital that Commissioner Williams is assured of full support both from within his ranks, especially top ranks as well as the public as a whole. Unity of purpose is critical at the leadership level.

The new Commissioner has little time to rest on his laurels, for the recent murder of an elderly peace-loving citizen of our country is not only shocking, but it has also dispelled the belief in some quarters that the wave of murders this year only revolves around a relatively small circle of criminals. Mr McIntosh just does not fit that bill.

One can well understand the sentiment from newly promoted Assistant CoP (Ag.) in charge of crime, Trevor Bailey, behind his emotional appeal for citizens to “join with the police and get vex to rid the country” of the criminal-minded, but we need to temper such an approach. Not only can it lead to extremes, but emotions often cloud judgements and we run the risk of going down potentially dangerous roads here.

The high level of still unsolved murders here in spite of rumours making the rounds, say something either about fear of reprisal or

lack of confidence in the Police, perhaps both. How do we deal with this? Is there a continuing well-organized thrust to improve police/public relations? Reliance on touting the success of the Police Youth Clubs alone is far from enough. Sometime ago, a journalist, qualified in communications and public relations enlisted in the Police Service and was appointed in charge of police public relations. What has become of his skills in this regard? A lot of serious thinking is necessary to map out how to get persons to share valuable information.

Another bugbear that has plagued the Police Service over the years is the infiltration of party politics, real or imagined, in police administration. Police officers already have enough challenges of a personal level to deal with, than to have to cope with this broader societal one as well. It is obvious that any government would love to have someone who shares its outlook or at least can trust in such a sensitive position. But this should not extend either to ostracizing honest and efficient officers or conversely to apparent discrimination against others. We have suffered too much and too long for that.

What is important now is that we all give the new leadership of the Police our full support, that both political parties demonstrate their faith not only in the leadership but in the Service as a whole. Our “vexation” must be demonstrated by our full support for the Police and our calm determination to do what we can to assist them in their unenviable tasks.