Dear Editor,

Whatever mandate Commissioner of Police Antony Anderson was given when he was tasked with the job of leading the police force, the just-concluded JCF expo held at the National Arena gives the clearest indication that he has achieved.

The event was dubbed a technology expo but what it had on display were things we had never before visualised. It is evident in every aspect that a new day has dawned in policing in Jamaica – despite some of the things on show appearing to be in primordial stages.

The first masterpiece of public relations the commissioner pulled off was convincing his internal audience of its capabilities and the direction in which the JCF is heading. It is one thing to have the public in awe, but to have your own smiling from ear to ear with pride is some achievement.

The members of the public, particularly students, left the arena with a positive view of a JCF that now has even better technologies and strategies than some forces in First World countries.

It must be noted, regardless of what Jamaica saw on display, the JCF can only succeed in reducing crime with the support of the people. All hands are needed on deck to eradicate this cancer.

I am sure the appointment of Commissioner Anderson was met with scepticism; however, he came into the police force for such a time as this. Whether or not this is a last knock, Commissioner, you played a superb innings just now, raise your cap and bat and accept the standing ovation and the approbation.

It would be remiss of me not to inform the Police Service Commission that the performance of this commissioner should not be used as a reason for them to look outside of the JCF for the next commissioner when the time comes.

The officer corps is replete with some of the brightest minds in this country. All four deputy commissioners are capable of taking charge; there are some outstanding talents at the assistant commissioner and senior superintendent levels. Plus, you would be sending a message to those who attain the age of 52 to think otherwise, because appointing an outsider on two three-year contracts means they have no chance.

Again, well done, Commissioner Anderson. You created and delivered on the term “a force for good”.

Steve Brown

Superintendent of police