In order to justify his leadership of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin needs to show the nation what he has done since assuming the position as head of the JCF. What we should remember is that, upon his retirement from the Jamaica Defence Fore, Lewin stated his intention that he would relax with his family. The Police Service Commission (PSC), on the other hand, was very desperate to find an individual who they thought would bring change to the police force that was suffering from a tarnished image.

I thought that the PSC would have promoted to the position an in-service individual who had policing experience. During the search, Rear Admiral Lewin got the attention of the selectors; therefore, he was given the position. The job of commissioner of police is not an easy one, and it takes guts, resources and sustainability to lead an organisation such as the JCF.

The police, by themselves, with all the necessary resources at their disposal, cannot solve crime in Jamaica. We need a total departure from our 'silent culture' and assist the police in solving crime, which will be beneficial to all of us as Jamaicans.

However, there are other issues that are associated with giving information to the police. People are afraid of doing that and Jamaica does not have a good witness protection programme, among other shortcomings. While not attempting to rationalise Lewin's critique or his performance, I submit that he might not have received the support from his subordinates in the way that he should. As a result, he has been left in the cold to do a job that requires coordinated effort.

If he goes, however, there are other well-respected and seasoned members of the JCF who are capable of leading the bright men and women in spite of the stigma that is associated with it.

I am, etc.,

CHARLES BROWN

charliebrown1004@hotmail.com