I have often heard about corruption in the police force, but if the 'recruitment' of this young man, Courtney Grayson, into the Jamaica Constabulary Force's contingent as a fake cope in Montego Bay is anything near to what is said, then it is a very sad and frightening day for the entire country.

As a young boy growing up, the idea of joining the police force was a treasured one, at least for me. Playing 'Police and Thief' was one of the greatest thrills that I can remember while at all-age school. My classmates/ schoolmates would take turns being either 'police' or 'thieves'. Oftentimes, the 'punishment' meted out to the 'criminal' was severe as the 'police enforcer' ended up taking their 'jobs' too seriously. We even had a 'jail', the cellar at school, which was always dark and eerie. However, these games planted an admiration for the men and women in uniform and there was nothing I wanted to become more than a policeman.

There are decent, law-abiding members of the force who are doing an exceptional job and must be commended. Indeed, most are doing so. They should hold their heads high as they continue to do their most difficult task. While they do so, they should expose all acts of wrong-doings by their 'colleagues' as the few tarnish the entire image of the force. It cannot get much worse than what is alleged to have happened in the Second City.

Recruitment of the best

In the meantime, the recruitment of the best for the force should continue apace. K.D. Knight, former minister of national security, must be commended for, in the face of opposition from members of the force at the time, he implemented the Graduate Recruitment Programme. One, perhaps, now does not have to ask why there was such opposition to this programme by certain members of the force at the time. Indeed, the police force needs the best in terms of mind and body. It also needs the best leaders it can attract - honest men and women.

In the meantime, we urge the public to continue to support the police as there are far too many murders and other senseless crimes taking place. Hopefully, the Montego Bay 'recruitment' will signal a turning point for the police force, an establishment that is much admired by many young boys and girls.

I am, etc.,

LEIGHTON JACKSON

jackson_leighton@hotmail.com

Freeport, New York