THE EDITOR: Crime has touched every heart and affected many homes in TT. We have heard the names, seen the faces, the bloody images on social and mainstream media. The pain and heartache of families whose loved ones were murdered. Violent scenes in homes, schools, villages and towns.

Some of us have cried with, felt the grief, anger and frustration of, victims. Most of us do our best to take the necessary precautions. Many people live under a self-imposed curfew in certain areas in this nation.

All types of crime must be viewed as a very critical matter. The State should be proactive. It must stop reacting to surges of violent crime and address the issue of lawlessness. Law-abiding citizens want less talk of policy and plans. We are demanding implementation, enforcement of the law, more police visibility and affirmative action.

The Government must ensure that it meets its moral obligation and primary responsibility of maintaining law and order. This responsibility should be met by providing the necessary resources for law enforcement and an effective crime-reduction strategy with emphasis on deterrence, detection, conviction, effective rehabilitation, prison reform and victim assistance.

Although some criminologists have linked a life of crime to poverty, poor parenting, peer pressure and other social issues, it does not take away the personal responsibility of the perpetrator for the choices he or she has made. They are as guilty as the ones who see crime as the easy way to have a glamorous life.

We can be emphatic to a person’s unfortunate experiences. However, we must not deal with the perpetrators of violent crimes with kid gloves.

While the State must do its part by providing social resources, parents and guardians have a duty to raise children who are civic-minded. Reports of child abuse must be investigated thoroughly, and offenders prosecuted.

A study of the social and economic impact of crime must find its way on our primary and secondary school curriculum.

A collaborated and consistent effort is required not only against lawlessness, but also against our complacency and passiveness to avoid more communities being labelled a crime hotspot.

As a society we must continue the conversation about crime. Let us find ways to engender the spirit of national pride, a willingness to fight corruption on all levels, develop a culture of caring, build compassionate families, show reverence for God, create a courageous, professional and proactive police force which has the public’s confidence.

Side by side, let us stand against crime and lawlessness in our land.

TESSE WILSON

Marabella

The post Let us stand against crime, lawlessness appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.