Don’t Be Complacent Despite Murder Reduction, Police Commissioner Urges | RJR News
While the country has recorded a 21 per cent reduction in murders up to August 1, Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake is urging the society not to become complacent.
Instead, he’s urging members of the public to work with the police in maintaining the momentum to build a society defined by peace.
Dr Blake has noted that the concept of peace appears to be simple, which he says has resulted in misconceptions about the effort that is needed to preserve it.
In the latest edition of Commissioner’s Corner, his weekly column, Dr Blake he told members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force that true peace is the presence of safety and a state of harmony, rather than the absence of crime.
“The achievement of peace in our society is reflected in the confidence that children can walk to school without fear, businesses can thrive without intimidation and extortion, neighbors can settle their differences without violence, and families can look to the future with hope rather than anxiety. It also means that there is confidence among the people that this state of affairs will be sustained.”
“That is the kind of Jamaica we all want, and more importantly, it is the kind of Jamaica that we are building,” he asserted.
Where it starts
Commissioner Blake says peace building begins in homes, schools, churches and communities. He has also appealed to JCF personnel to reflect on their engagements with the public to build trust and confidence in law enforcement, and “demonstrate our belief that we need not look yonder for a peaceful society.”
“We can make ours one such. It begins when a parent teaches a child right from wrong, when a teacher instills discipline, a neighbor chooses dialogue instead of confrontation, or a citizen decides to do what is right even when no one is watching. It begins when we, as members of the JCF, ensure that every interaction between ourselves and the citizens is respectful. Every one of those actions strengthens the fabric of our society,” he added.
According to the Police Commissioner, police officers have a unique role in helping to build a culture of peace in the society, stressing that their mission goes beyond enforcing laws.
“ The truth is, we should take no pleasure in arresting anyone. Contrary to what some may believe, an arrest is rarely a victory. It often represents a situation where someone ignored opportunities to make better choices and where families, victims, and communities have all been affected. Our greatest satisfaction comes when people obey the law willingly. Hence, our nobler function is to help create an environment where fewer people choose to break the law in the first place.”