Dear Editor,

It is very evident that Jamaica has a broken Police system. The sad thing is that it has been broken for years and is highlighted only when someone is hurt or killed while in the custody of the state.

The list of citizens whom have either died or suffered under the brutality of the police tells us that clearly there is a need for issues to be addressed — from Agana Barrett, Robert Hill, Nakiea Jackson to Kayann Lamont.

Lest we forget, Lamont was eight months pregnant when she was shot to death simply for uttering a few curse words to a police officer.

When citizens are in the custody of the state for whatever reason, they should be protected by the same state. For anyone to be beaten or harmed in any way is wrong, be it by other inmates or by the police, the state is responsible.

If it takes the beating and death of Mario Deane for the Minister of National Security to demand a report on the care and protection of those in the custody of the police, then clearly he has no clue.

As Minister of National Security it is his job to make sure that while in state custody every single citizen is treated humanely; it is his job to visit these government facilities to make sure that things are up to par.

You Sir should not wait until someone is beaten to death to demand anything. That is rubbish.

The irony of all this is that the police are alleging that Deane was beaten by fellow inmates, yet one of the accused, who happens to have mental issues, was also allegedly beaten by other inmates. How does that make sense?

So the question is how do you place someone who is suffering from schizophrenia in a cell where he could be beaten by other inmates?

In addition, are these jails equipped to handle the mentally challenged or the disabled?

As citizens of Jamaica we cannot continue to sit by and accept this travesty and think that it is OK. Under the Constitution every citizen is deserving of the Protection of the State.

Finally, this should not be made into an issue that will divide the people. This is an issue that affects everyone irrespective of political affiliation.

We do not vote to be treated like animals, or to have our dignity or pride swept away by those whom have sworn to Serve and Protect.

Michelle Bradshaw