Seerattan killing — suicide by police

THE EDITOR: The possession of a firearm carries with it a level of responsibility, which an adolescent cannot appreciate, far less for one that is mentally and emotionally impaired. It is with great regret that officers Moore and Weekes were held accountable for the death of Seerattan.  It is beyond the reasonable scope of a responding officer to “talk down” an unstable youth with a premeditated course of action. In my assessment, the officers had responsibility to the students and teachers of the school, whose lives were in danger.

It is commonly known as “suicide by police” — where the “victim” did not care to surrender nor take his own life. To date, no mention has been made of the storage of the Seerattan firearm, and how easily it got into the wrong hands. The country now has a police force that has to think long and hard about the possible repercussion of its action in the line of duty — hesitation in the heat of the moment can cost innocent lives.  My sentiment goes out to Moore and Weekes.

RICHARD CLARKE
Westmoorings