Gems from Philbert

Here is one that should be printed on the cover of every station diary, framed and hung on the walls of every police station and Police Training College, and inscribed on the first page of the personal diary of every member of the Police Service.

They are words we applaud and regret they had not been entrenched in the consciousness of the Service long ago. They are from the Acting Commissioner of Police James Philbert:

“We need to carry out our duties without any kind of mistakes and flaws. Every officer needs to pull his or her weight. We must band ourselves together to ensure the process is smooth.” (About people): “You must treat them with civility. These people are not breaking the law by being curious. You must ensure that things are done in the right way. We must be civil in how we approach things; we must forge a greater relationship with the public.”

(About corruption in the Police Service) “We are not sweeping it under the carpet. Every week we have taken two officers to court for some kind of corruption activity . . . Look at the murder toll; it is higher than before; it is a challenge for us.

How much are we dong to bring that toll down?

How do we position ourselves to deal with what is before us? There is nothing like a wrong station, the wrong police, or the wrong time. Do not send the public to another station.”

We, the public, shall remember these words.

We hope intensely that every member of the Police Service will remember them too.

VAN STEWART

Diego Martin