MISSING ARMS and money left in the care and responsibility of ranks of the disciplined forces — police and army — are occurring too frequently in Guyana and a number of Caribbean Community states, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago among them.

It so happens that these are also countries that have the unflattering role as jurisdictions with comparatively high rates of criminality.

We have previously noted the spreading concerns of the public at large of how rogue elements, some of them linked to crimes of murder, armed robberies and sexual assaults, are callously bringing into disrepute the very institutions to which the people in this and other CARICOM nations look for protection against criminals, and in safeguarding national security.

The police and military ranks whose criminal activities have been exposed must understand that they are not only bringing shame and disgrace to themselves and families.

Of national concern is the reality that by their criminal deeds, they have armed and dangerous criminals laughing at the disciplined forces, and brazenly ridiculing the concept of rule of law.

When arms and ammunition, and huge sums of money, mysteriously disappear from assumed secured places under the responsibility of assumed competent and trustworthy officers of the disciplined forces, public confidence is shattered.

The missing $3.04 million from the Finance Office at Eve Leary, headquarters of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), is a very sad example of this kind of outrageous crime.

The investigating officers in this missing money case owe it to their own professional reputation and the integrity of the GPF they have sworn to uphold to do everything necessary in bringing the culprits to justice.

How horrible are the tragic occurrences of ranks of our army and police having to be investigated for crimes ranging from murder, armed robberies, missing guns and stolen millions.

The fact that such disgusting, alarming crimes occur elsewhere in our Community certainly offers NO comfort for the great mass of law abiding citizens of Guyana, among them police and army ranks who continue to honour their professional obligations with utmost diligence and honesty.

It is of relevance also to note here the increasing challenges being faced by the Guyana Revenue Authority and, more recently, the Guyana Post Office Corporation from reported fraudulent practices.

The challenges have already led to new and increased arrangements to encourage public confidence. The unions representing employees of both the GRA and GPOC have no alternative but to help these very important State agencies in maintaining a very tight watch against potential fraud and brazen theft.

As it is with the disciplined forces (police and army), the few fraudsters and thieves affecting the GRA and GPOC are tarnishing the reputation of the overwhelming mass of honest and dedicated workers of these State agencies who deserve public support.