Jamaican Police.Com

Speaking recently in Manchester at a graduation ceremony for officers certified to drive police vehicles, Winston Lawson, President of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce issued a strong call for Jamaica’s police to stop abusing their powers by using heavy handed tactics and abusive language against citizens when carrying out their daily duties.

He said too often our police officers seem to feel that they have to belittle citizens in order to show that they are in control. He said … “I am talking about the boxes and the kicking and the gun butting … Too often we talk about “aay bwoy” or “go a yuh yard now!” to prove who’s boss. And it hurts. it pains my heart to see when police sink to the levels of those we fear. And in those cases we really have a hard time telling the difference between the two.”

He called on the officers to emulate the conduct of police officers in the United States where the reaction of the police is typically firm and sometimes forceful, but hardly ever disrespectful. He said while he believes that the police have the toughest job of any citizen, force should be used only when appropriate.

“I am saying you have been trained and trained well. You have the responsibility and knowledge of when and how much force is necessary. Do not abuse it. Let us return to the days when police officers were role models,” he said.

Tags : Manchester Chamber of Commerce, police abuse, Winston Lawson