Poll results show deep-rooted public scepticism about JCF - Lewis

 

Social scientist Dr. Henry Lewis says the latest RJRGLEANER-commissioned Don Anderson poll reflects deep-rooted public scepticism about the Jamaica Constabulary Force. 

 

The poll shows that nearly 50% of Jamaicans have little to no confidence in the police's ability to effectively tackle crime. 

 

Dr. Lewis says that perception is shaped not only by a history of corruption, but also decades of mistreatment of citizens by the police.

 

He notes that despite the current reduction in murders, the Jamaica Constabulary Force's actions over the last 70 years have contributed to a largely negative public image.

 

"Why are the statistics not changing people's feelings? Well, it can't because the society is still suffering from what I call cultural PTSD, and this is really the kind of post-traumatic traumas of the past. That's not wiped away easily. It's not wiped away in a year or two with low crime numbers," reasoned the social scientist, who was a guest Monday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106.

 

While acknowledging that the Jamaica Constabulary Force has made real strides in reducing crime, Dr. Lewis said the police still have a long way to go in rebuilding public trust.

 

He believes lingering issues such as corruption and the lack of meaningful community engagement continue to damage the force's image. He also pointed to the persistently high number of fatal police shootings, arguing that the way some officers engage suspects has not significantly changed. 

 

According to him, this aggressive approach fuels a dangerous perception among the public. 

 

Dr. Lewis further noted that the lack of trust is evident in the fear and anxiety many motorists feel when stopped by the police, even when they've done nothing wrong, because they're unsure whether they're dealing with a good or bad cop.