Head of the Traffic Division, Police Superintendent Claude Reynolds, appears to be a man who means business. His voice and articulation are reminiscent of former Police Superintendent Reneto Adams, and his media presence reminds me of Kingston and St Andrew Mayor, Desmond McKenzie.

Among other things, he has announced a programme of intensive spot checks where vehicles will be searched and inspected to ascertain illegal activities, and, I suspect it was one such operation that I came upon quite recently. I was ascending Red Hills when a motorist (coming from the opposite direction, of course) flashed his headlights signalling to all of us that there were police up ahead. We are fully aware of this practice as it relates to warning approaching motorists of speed traps and, although it is not illegal (to flash other motorists for whatever reason), it is frowned upon by the authorities. They assert that the speeder you warn today will avoid the ticket and most likely speed tomorrow and could kill someone - even you.

However, even those who are grateful for the heads-up regarding speed traps, should be aware that by warning motorists of police operations (spot checks), they could very well be allowing someone to escape with a stolen vehicle (or parts thereof) or with contraband destined for the guns for drugs trade, kidnappers to carry out their dastardly deed, criminals on a murder 'mission' a way to escape detection, or wanted criminals to elude capture. In other words, you could be inadvertently aiding in the commission of serious crimes, including murder.

Criminals require mobility

Most criminals require mobility to carry out their nefarious acts. They need to be transported to and beat their cowardly retreat (escape) from the scene of their crime(s). They carry offensive weapons (usually high-powered handguns and/or rifles) to slaughter their intended victims. They transport illegal drugs on the streets and sometimes even drive with dead bodies onboard in a bid to dispose of them some distance from the crime scene. They take their victims from the primary crime scene to the secondary one and commit horrendous acts upon them before murdering them.

With all that in mind, don't flash me and don't flash anyone else for that matter. You could be saving a cold-blooded, dangerous or notorious criminal from capture and he may just target you for his next crime.

The cops happened to stop me and directed me to park on a minor roadway. They were numerous, heavily armed and assisted by Jamaica Defence Force soldiers. At first, the sight of a squad of security personnel, all armed with assault rifles watching my every move as I pulled over, felt a bit oppressive. No one enjoys being told that he/she must stop now and surrender to interrogation and inspection. No one likes to be approached by someone who has the power to suspend his/her freedom or take his/her life mistakenly or otherwise. Nevertheless, I felt no direct threat and I consoled myself in the realisation that they were the 'good guys' protecting us from the killers who move freely among us.

Feeling a lot safer

I stopped properly, wound down all my windows and turned off the engine as the cop approached me. He greeted me courteously and was quick to allay any misgivings that I may have had by stating that they were doing this for my protection. After a comprehensive examination of all my papers and the vehicle, I left feeling a lot safer than when I began my journey up the hill.

Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. He may be contacted at garthrattray@gmail.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.