And justice

Letters

And justice for all

Madam ,

There is widespread concern at the increasing number of violent crimes and what appears to be crime sprees by escaped prisoners. Given the very considerable sense of insecurity and anxiety felt in the community, it is understandable that the Police Force and Prison Services are under great pressure to bring the situation under control by

apprehending criminals and effectively

incarcerating them.

There have been calls for more funds for the Police Department to enhance their capacity to combat crime. There have even been calls to arm our police by some who fail to realise that it would only be a matter of time before criminals acquire guns if they were to become more widely available.

There are those amongst us who are saying “serves them right” when being informed that escaped prisoners have been severely beaten up. Some police and prison officers vent their frustration on re

captured prisoners, especially those who

repeatedly break out of jail.

Police brutality and the brutalisation of prisoners will not solve our crime prob lem. Indeed, it is likely to contribute to an escalation of violent crimes. Violence begets violence. No civilised society that is humane and caring and wishes to remain so can tolerate police brutality.

Those officers who beat-up suspects and prison escapees are breaking the law and must be brought to justice.

While adequately resourcing our police, prison wardens and law courts must be a priority, it is just as important to deal with the root causes of crime in our community. These include the break down of families, loss of parental and community control over adolescents and older teenagers, ineffectual schooling,

unemployment and alienation of young people and the failure of community and political leaders in fulfilling their leader

ship roles.

Sadly, street and property crimes are largely committed by ethnic-Fijians, whereas those who receive stolen goods are predominantly Indo-Fijians.

Ironically, security services and pawn shops have become growth industries!

The market for stolen goods in a situa tion of high unemployment contributes to criminal activities. Those who receive stolen goods should be dealt with severe ly by the courts.

All of us, especially Fijian leaders, must face up to the responsibility of searching for effective and long-term solutions to the problems of ethnic Fijian youth. No amount of lip-service about the significance of the family will solve these problems. Effective measures including tax rebates and government funding need to be taken to strengthen family as well as

community-support organisations.

Our youth do not get wealthy on what they steal or rob. The question is, how do we nurture their enthusiasm and creativity and help them identify career opportuni ties so that they eschew crime?

Dr Vijay Naidu

Suva Fiji