Reneto Adams' recent pronouncement that he would be applying for the position of commissioner of police is noteworthy. This denotes that although he has retired from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the nation's security, or lack thereof, still continues to occupy a position of pre-eminence in his life.

There are contending views as to why the outgoing commissioner did not achieve the success that was expected - chief of which were that he came from outside the JCF and that he did not get the necessary level of support from its management team. Most persons believe, however, that capability was not the issue, but that there was a direct relationship between the lack of support and the notion that he was an 'outsider'. And while both views may have been incorrect, this is the perception of the man in the streets.

Support

Having retired from the force, wouldn't Adams also be seen as an outsider - someone whose name never appeared on the succession plan? How would this impact the morale of the force, and does he feel that he would get the support of the members of the force, particularly the management team, if he were given the nod? These are matters that he should ponder before making the application.

While Adams' record of crime fighting appears to have been good - and I must concede that there are persons who have differing views - we need to be clear on the position that he is applying for. Is he applying for the position of crime chief where he takes responsibility for the management of that specific portfolio, or is he applying for the leadership of the force where he takes direct responsibility for all aspects of the force?

I believe that Adams and many other retired police officers have something they can give back to the force and the country. He has a lot that he could impart to the current crime chief and this is something that should be given some thought.

I am, etc.,

PAT BIGNALL

wilbig@cwjamaica.com