COMMENTARY: Yuh Cyar Park Deh

By Rawlston Pompey

It has always been said that police conduct and actions have given the public reasons to be fearful of them. While it is appreciated that each individual reacts differently in different situations, it shall be manifestly seen that the ‘…responsibility of the police department is not merely to upgrade the attitude and behaviour of individual officers, but also to identify and use community resources which will help to influence the attitudes and behaviour of the citizens’ [IACP: Vol. 8: 11]. Not infrequently, law-abiding citizens may have encountered a law enforcement officer who is approachable citizen-friendly and shows that he is service-oriented. He is cultured and mild-mannered. He displays a cheerful countenance and a good sense of purpose and judgment. Such officer shows that he clearly understands the role and function of law enforcement officers.

CASSAVA AND FIG

When internationally renowned social commentator Slinger Francisco ‘Mighty Sparrow,’ sought to bring awareness to people in respect to that which might obtain in marital unions involving people coming from certain background and communities, he was clear in his mind that those that had led certain lifestyles would have been a threat to harmonious spousal relationships and marital stability. He had no collegiate diploma or degree, but he may have been exposed to an environment that had made it clear to him that ‘…if a man planted Cassava,’ he could never ‘…reap green Fig.’ Lyrically putting into perspective exactly what was meant he said, ‘…If you put a hog in a palace, it still remains a pig’ [1962: Stupid Married Man]. Far from his mind may have been the applicability of the lyrical content of this song in relating to the objectionable attitude and repugnant behaviour of a very small minority of depraved law enforcement personnel. By these traits many have provoked public consternation and contempt for the agency for the ‘…Rule of Law.’

PERSPECTIVE

While most police officers recognize that they shall constantly remind themselves of the subscribed Oath of Office, solemnly pledging to discharge their duties ‘…without fear or favour; …malice or ill-will,’ there is also something of fundamental importance. That something has to do with their approach and manner they speak to members of the public. This commentary looks at two contrasting approaches by officers attached to the ‘…Traffic Department.’ It also looks at some reported incidents experienced by several motorists, among them were several retirees from the Police Service and reported encounters with members of the Magistracy and members of the wider society, void of specific references.

REEKS OF INDISCIPLINE

Many stories have been told or written about the culture of global Police Services and the behavioural traits of their membership. Many citizens would have shared their experiences of having encountered a pleasant and well-mannered officer, contrasted by one that was officiously hostile and discourteous. Technological advancement has allowed for their actions to be chronicled for the knowledge of posterity. Nationally, there have been several reported incidents of professional indiscretions, forcing many people to believe that they have been victimized. The vast majority of police officers were known to have been well-disciplined and have been conducting themselves appreciably well. Contrastingly, the behaviour of a small minority was often seen as being capable of being described as ‘…Reeks of Indiscipline.’

ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR

While much has been said and written about the actions of law enforcement personnel much has also been written and said of their ‘…Attitude and Behaviour towards members of society. Though most appear to ‘…Fit the Vision’ of the Police Service, a small minority appears to have lacked the discipline and spirit of discernment and common understanding that they are dealing with the unpredictable nature of man. It has often been the lack of understanding, combined with ‘…arrogance or ignorance; …idiocy or stupidity; …hostility and insensitivity’ that have frequently seen as the precipitous element that causes strained relations between law enforcement, the public and members of the wider society. These have not only been among man’s gravest enemies, but also those that have affected the ‘…Rule of Law.’

DANGLING IN UNCERTAINTY

Within some regional Police Forces, it has always been a misguided and overzealous few that believes they have not yet emerged from the ‘…Wilds of Africa.’ These have invariably shown that they are among tribes, yet to experience human civilization and socialization. The lot is lacking of skills associated with ethics and formal communication, even as they seek to give citizens directions. Within this jurisdiction, by their repugnant conduct, hostile attitude and aggressive manner, they have constantly sought to inject fear into the hearts of every citizenry. Even by their manner of speech, they have positioned themselves to be seen as a liability than an asset to the Police Service. Compounded by these is the organization’s troubled leadership.

INVIDIOUS POSITION

Then there is the troubling, unfortunate and the most untenable situation that has evidently placed Acting Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney in an awkward and ‘…Invidious Position.’ This is compounded by the intervening super-imposing authority of the Police Service Commission (PSC) that determines where personnel shall be transferred, irrespective of recommendations and/or professional competency. The most recent of such intervention has been the case of female Sergeant Claudette Farrell who was, (a) … Removed from a particular posting; (b) …Ordered back to the posting; (c) …Rejected; and (c) …Removed again [July 2, 2019]. This situation has clearly been a hindrance to his stamping with any degree of authoritative and delegative firmness in superintending the Police Service, as well as his ability to exercise full positional control of personnel in his command.

DANGLING IN UNCERTAINTY

Rocked by a scandal, now under judicial consideration, this has placed the status of three senior officers including the substantive position of Commissioner of Police ‘…Dangling in Uncertainty’ for well over one year [April 5, 2018]. It has been the view of many critics that the inordinate delay, administratively and judicially in bringing closure to the situation appears to be having adverse effects on the behaviour of the organization and its members. The immediate elimination of what appeared to be a growing culture of organizational decadence was said to be seen through a developed punishing attitude in a few officers. Sources close to the Police Service and those responsible for internal disciplinary control, have argued that personnel seemed to have become somewhat jaded, demoralized and impotent.

ATTITUDES AND APPROACHES

From a professional perspective, a necessary part of the task of achieving law enforcement objectives is the development of public attitudes, favourable to their attainment. Thus, in order to improve awareness within the Police Service, there shall be greater emphasis on training in public relations at all levels. Hence, if ‘…Attitudes and Approaches’ to matters affecting public interests are to be changed to satisfy public expectations, these shall be considered of paramount importance. This, no doubt, shall guide police officers in the use of their discretion and clearer understanding of the working environment, but only to the extent these form part of the basic law enforcement training.

DISCRETIONARY POWERS

It shall be clearly understood that ‘…No one is above the law.’ It shall also be understood that no one might be singled out for special favours. Every trained police officer knows that the citizenry expects him to be cognizance of the subscribed ‘…Oath of office.’ The dictates of which states that in performing his duties, he shall show ‘…no fear or favour or malice or ill-will.’ These, in recent times, appear to have been seen as occurring more with professional breaches, than compliance. It has been the shared experience of many that in encountering a police officer whose behaviour reflects ‘…professionalism, confidence, trust and courtesy,’ automatically causes them to develop a favourable opinion of the Police Service. Contrastingly, the officer who displays arrogance, incivility with an aggressive tendency, or is seen as over-officious, not only destroys public trust, confidence and respect for the entire police organization, but also himself. Such has been a global phenomenon. While officers are empowered with ‘…Discretionary Powers,’ the law makes it sufficiently clear that no one is immune from prosecutorial action.

CRUDE- AGGRESSIVE- PUNITIVE

Even as Deputy Commissioner of Police Albert Wade, reportedly sought to impress upon the minds of apparent ‘…Crude- Punitive and Aggressive’ traits in some officers, gently reminding them of their duty to protect and serve members of the public, he appeared not to have reached many of those officers. Many appeared hell-bent in enforcing the law indiscriminately, and in some instances, selectively against the members of the public. These officers know that they are required to ‘…Protect and Serve’ every law-abiding citizen. ‘They also know that foremost among the areas of responsibilities is a duty to prevent and detect crime, with attendant powers of arrest and detention. Such powers are applicable only to persons known to have, (i) …Committed crime; or (ii) …Reasonably suspected to have committed a crime; or (iii) …Seen as being about to do so.’

LURKING CONSTABLE

Every once in a while, it has been the harboured but mistaken belief by a police officer that every public encounter constitutes a criminal offence, be it obstruction or hindering a police officer in the execution of his duty. There are still others of a very mundane nature. Courts know that those entrusted with ‘…Power and Authority,’ are not only known to show evidence of power-drunkenness, but also indiscretions. This will have been evident in the St. Magistrates’ Court that saw Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh admonishing an apparent overzealous police constable. Though resided with all police officers, he had exercised powers in a situation that demanded a commonsense approach that may have shown an inability in using his discretion.

REPRIMANDED AND DISCHARGED

The Court was not amused when a defendant, reportedly teased a colleague, using choice language, expressed apologies to an evidentially-revealed ‘…Lurking Constable,’ who seemingly felt duty-bound in arresting the teasing colleague on a charge of ‘…Disorderly Conduct.’ The defendant who pleaded guilty was merely ‘…Reprimanded and Discharged’ [July 1, 2019]. Notwithstanding such outcome, it shall also be understood by all a sundry that except serving members of the Police Service of superior ranks, no member of the public may dictate to police officers how they shall discharge or perform their assigned duties.

VIRTUES OF GOOD POLICING

Long before the last three batches of police recruits had been breast-fed, ‘…Veteran Traffic Officer,’ Superintendent Cosmos Marcelle, had impressed upon the minds of many of his subordinates the importance of performing their duties from two law enforcement perspectives. Constantly endeavouring to inculcate in their minds the ‘…Virtues of Good Policing,’ he had convinced many that they were required to be as helpful as possible to members of the public. Instructionally, this had resonated exceptionally well with subordinates. They saw a keenness and willingness by those of superior ranks that leadeth them not into arrogance and/or temptation punishment. He pointed out that which was to be productive and helpful to the public and that which was counter-productive and destructive to public relations and their chosen career.

LETTER AND SPIRIT OF LAW

Subordinates then were urged that in the performance of duty, they were to be guided by the concepts, (i) ‘…The Letter of Law.’ This was where officers had invariably not exercised discretion; and (ii) ‘…The Spirit of Law.’ This was where personnel had acted rationally and reasonably and justifiably exercised discretion, thus averting situations, as opposed to exacerbating them. Ironically, in a recent encounter with a ‘…short-trouser; …illuminating vested; …untrained recruit, he was issued with threats of arrest for some insignificant minor infraction. Likened to the experience of former Commissioner of Police Alvin Goodwin, he then knew that the untrained officer had been indoctrinated by the influences of those that had been religiously following the ‘…Letter of Law.’ When the apparent half-baked recruit (lacking in judgment, intelligence or commonsense), reportedly found out his status as a member of the Police Service Commission (PSC), he quickly backed off.

YUH CYAR PARK DEH

Nowadays, when no one had offended the law, to be discourteously told by a Traffic officer in vernacular, ‘…Yuh Cyar Park Deh,’ this not only speaks to the questionable quality of persons being recruited and enlisted into the Police Service, but also to traits of aggressiveness and a culture of hostility that appear to have wend its way deep into ‘…Force Discipline.’ Lest there might be reasons for speculation, the writer speaks to his experience with a most ‘…Obnoxious Constable.’ Now, if given recognition for such a behavioural exhibition, he most certainly would have been considered for the ‘…Obnoxious Constable of the Year Award.’ Lest it might be queried, such experience and intention in bringing awareness  and at the same time to discourage those that might be so inclined, such had already been informally shared with the upper echelon of the Police Service. There was neither a suggestion, nor recommendation what might be done in addressing obvious indiscipline among a very small minority within the lower ranks.

CONTRASTING APPROACHES

Though many other assigned Traffic control duties may have performed their duties professionally and creditably, two officers that had to be singled out for the manner in which they had discharged their duty to the public, were ‘…Police Constable Jaleeil Jenkins and Corporal Leon Alves.’ The echoing words, ‘…Good Night’ by Constable, Jaleeil Jenkins had borne evidence that the great majority of officers have brought to the Police Service, some degree of discipline, with respect for human dignity. These speak to courtesy and professionalism in their individual or collective dealing with members of the public.

VERNACULARLY CRUDE

Incidentally, this was contrasted by the ‘…Vernacularly Crude,’ unprovoked and vexatious expression, ‘…Yuh Cyar Park Deh’ by another, but unidentified Constable. This speaks to hoodlumism. Both Constables had been assigned traffic control duties at the ‘…St. John’s Pentecostal House of Restoration (SJPCHR)’ [Thursday 27, June 2019]. It was this contrasting approach that may have been seen by many motorists who may have another unidentified Constable that may not only have portrayed Constable Jaleeil Jenkins as a model officer, but had also prompted this commentary. Moreover, it was the constant public outcry of the rather uncouth manner of speech that had reportedly angered many citizens that shall prompt those with disciplinary control to correct behavioural approaches adverse to the image and reputation of the Police Service.

HOSTILITY AND AGGRESSION

In spite of an apparent growing trend of ‘…Hostility and Aggression,’ the overwhelming majority of personnel are judgmentally sound, discrete and courteous. In as much as adversity appeared to be staring her in the face, it would be remiss not to speak to an experience with Woman Police Constable Avonel Hyacinth Emmanuel. She was professionally courteous. When she asked ‘…What is your name Sir? Know that she was about to affix an ‘FPT- Fixed Penalty Ticket,’ even when no impediment to the free flow of vehicular traffic was occasioned. Thus, there were no feelings of hostility over-officiously provoked. Then pleasantly she said, ‘…Have a good afternoon Sir,’ and quietly went about her lawful duty [May 2019].

INCENSING THE PUBLIC

It has been the experience that callous use of certain language has ‘…Incensed the Public’ and members of the wider society. This was inevitable, particularly when used provocatively, boisterously and/or in a condescending manner. British Home Secretary, Sir Robert Peel saw that the manner in which law enforcement may speak to members of the public, may cause ‘…hell to break loose’ and working relations to become strained. He did not wish the work of the police to be made more difficult than what the lawless seemed hell-bent on doing. He was of the view that there were to exist between the police and the people, commonality of understanding, good communication and amicable working relations. As a consequence, he prudently established the ‘…Policing Principles.’

PEEL’S VISION

It is universally known that only with meaningful public support, can the police effectively prevent, detect and control crime. Sir Robert Peel had a ‘…Vision’ for law enforcement. He firmly believed that there shall have been an enabling environment, capable of winning public confidence and cooperation. With such, he was adamant that at all material times, ‘…There shall be maintained a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police’ [1829: Principle 7]. Today, a negligible number of depraved officers see modern policing as exhibiting callous behaviour, evidenced by discourtesy, hostility, aggression and indiscretions. While this might be seen as a cultural organizational shift, these officers had failed to recognize that such exhibition runs counter to good relations and that which is critically necessary in combating and/or controlling the criminal element.

NATURE’S STORMS

As far as a small minority of Traffic personnel were concerned, there is no such thing as ‘…Any port for ‘…Nature’s Storms.’ These include storms where ‘…human bowels begin to bubble or troubling bladders dictates’ urgent visitation to the nearest rest room. One of these may have been the experience of retired Senior Sergeant Emanuel ‘DJango’Attley and retired Assistant Superintendent Rommel Simmons. While ‘DJango’ had reportedly wend his out of a Fixed Penalty Ticket, the latter, reportedly forced by nature into the bathroom facility of a St. John’s business place, was given a rude awakening, when a lurking Traffic officer ticketed his vehicle for parking in an area restricted to parking.

POLITELY AND OBLIGINGLY

Few citizens, therefore, would render commendations to an officer who will have been charged with serving and/or reasonably expected to assist law-abiding citizens. The officers ‘…Constable Jenkins and Corporal Alves,’ had politely, cheerfully and obliging, rendered assistance needed for unimpeded access and departure from the crowded religious Sanctuary to motorists, graduands, dignitaries and other attendees, without agonizing or antagonizing. Likened to them, so too was Acting Commissioner Atlee Rodney. Attired in civilian clothes, he ‘…Politely and Obligingly’ assisted motorists departing with attendees or entering to pick up those waiting to depart from the venue. These officers had acquitted themselves exceedingly and commendably well. This was unlike the repugnant attitude of one Constable who had replaced service to the public with the unnecessary exercise of authority and had substituted courtesy with discourtesy.

ROOKIE CONSTABLE

The instinctive behaviour of animals has been well documented. It is known that a ‘…dog barks, growls and bites; …horses whinny and donkeys bray.’ Except in immediate commune, humans are seldom annoyed by these sounds. Contrasting these sounds with human behaviour, actions and expressions, some are not only insulting and annoying, but also vexatious to the spirit. While two wrongs can never make a right, humans shall know that to ‘…Every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.’ This might reasonably be inferred from the action of an inexperience police constable, frighteningly starved of local knowledge, and posted at the VC Bird International Airport and the inevitable reaction of retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Phillip Isaac and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

SPECIAL DUTY

Likened to everything else, there are always some odd developments or the odd persons, doing or saying the odd things. Even more intriguing was a narrow escape of a ‘…plainclothes police orderly’ to a visiting legal secretary and attendee to the Judge Albert Redhead funeral. After a heated exchange, he was reportedly spared the indignity of being ticketed for parking in the vicinity of a banking institution, ironically while on assigned ‘…Special Duty.’ Instructively, the next day the overly-officious and aggressive female Traffic officer may have been embarrassed when the escort police driver was observed attired in his official police uniform. If only she had taken the time to inquire, what she knew afterwards, she would have known on the preceding day.

AIRPORT DRAMA

Then there was the ugly experience of former Deputy Commissioner of Police, James Hill, a current member of the Police Service Commission (PSC). He had merely visited the VC Bird International Airport to deliver a small package to the Security Department. Less than three minutes, he faced the ‘…Horror and Discourtesy’ of a female and male Constables, issuing threats to arrest for the ‘…two-minute illegal stop.’ There was still more ‘…Airport Drama.’ On visiting the VC Bird International Airport facility, he reportedly sought and obtained permission for brief parking, at which time courtesies were so extended.

MARTIAL ARTS EXPERTISE

Lack of communication and/or lack of discretion had triggered and prompted the inevitable. Having escorted a member of a regional judiciary to the waiting vehicle, and having secured his luggage and had barely placed his left leg inside to depart in peace, a seemingly rookie Constable in overzealous mood, sought to prevent him from driving away. Grabbing the retiree by the neck,’ using his ‘…Martial Arts Expertise, he reportedly repelled the constable’s aggression with a single fist [June 4, 2019].

90 SECONDS – $200

Then there was the experience of Magistrate Dexter Wason, assigned to adjudicate traffic matters. Though he had not publicly complained, he too had experienced a taste of ‘…Police Indiscretion.’ Within 90 seconds in entering a Newgate Street business to pick up a small item value less than $15.00, an apparent ‘…Lurking Traffic Constable’ slapped his vehicle with a Fixed Penalty Ticket for $200.00. Among the most intriguing may have been the experiences of an Orderly to Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh. Chauffeured her to the VC Bird International Airport to receive her son, she had reportedly returned just on time to be identified by name by a member of the public, thus forcing the aggressive Constable to back off from his ‘…plainclothes colleague.

CONTEMPT AND RESENTMENT

The service performed and the attitude exhibited by Acting Commissioner Atlee Rodney; …Corporal Leon Alves; …and Constable Jaleeil Jenkins,’ shall not only be echoed, but shall also have rippling and emulating effects throughout the Police Service. In order to eliminate behaviour that causes ‘…Contempt and Resentment,’ every police officer, through behavioural and attitudinal change, shall not only portray the organization as one of ‘…objectivity; …leadership; …fairness and impartiality, showing every member to be service-oriented with a willingness to serve citizens, irrespective of social standing or positional status.

CONCLUSION

As the role of the police is undergoing rapid change, not only must traditional methods of policing are requirements for change, but also the attitude and mentality of the membership. If these are to resonate with the public, as to influence them to gravitate, support and cooperate, they shall also resonate with those whose duty is to protect and serve every law-abiding citizen. As a result, every member must reflect a feeling and purpose of interest and assistance’ [Momboisse: 1973: 149 (a)]. The advantages of such change behaviour and approaches could mean, (i) …Removal of fear, suspicion, distrust and hostility; (ii) …Increased public support and cooperation; and (iii) …Compliance and respect for the Rule of Law.’ These are attainable, but only to the extent that police officers see themselves as the public and the public see themselves as police officers, as to live up to the ideals as contained in the ‘…Sir Robert Peel’s Policing Principles.’

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