I am pleased to see that Mr. Louis Holder’s letter: “Security problems can be traced to inept managers”was published by the Chronicle. Unlike my own unpublished letter on the same subject that week, it uses the less controversial term managers, rather than leadership or titles. The bottom line is security would be better if some of his suggestions were adopted. I have previously made a similar suggestion to use rapid-response teams strategically located around the city, to be able to respond quicker to the nearest crime scene. Of course, the 911 call would have to answer if a mobile response team is to be dispatched immediately to make this an effective tool.

Mr. Holder talked about some small infractions being ignored, I called it personally deciding what to respond to.  Proactive policing calls for more sting and undercover operations around high-crime activities.

Again, he is right that it will take a more active, coordinated justice system to bring about the level of security Guyanese deserve.  Such a system requires strong laws; aggressive enforcement through effective investigations; community-friendly policing; police prosecutors that are lawyers or better trained; stronger evidence gathering and protection; better public prosecutors and case preparation and stricter judges and sentences. These, together with a prison system that aims for better prison conditions with more emphasis on rehabilitation of youth, first offenders and other non-violent criminals will bring better results.