Several months ago there was an article in the newspaper concerning a lady who was continually being harassed by her estranged husband, and the lack of support/concern/action taken by the Family Support Unit (FSU) regarding the matter. I often wonder what was the action taken by our Commissioner of Police against the FSU, for such behaviour.
Obviously, that Unit was never taught a lesson, because their behaviour is still the same. What is the use of that Unit placing appealing announcements over the radio and newspapers, telling the public that if they are having a serious family problem, to report it to the FSU, and one goes to them, but that Unit seldom do a follow-up with the matter?
If the unit is understaffed, then by all means, get additional officers, if they don't like the job, then move on. Please don't let the public suffer by their inaction.
I recently received two reports from persons who had problems with their child's behaviour, and another from a person whose close relative was being abused by a parent. Those adults had gone to the FSU with the problem. In one case the FSU was supposed to call the parent back, which was never done.
The other case the close relative had an appointment with the FSU, when they went for the appointment, they were told that the officer concerned had to go to a meeting, therefore the relative's time and energy was wasted. Shouldn't the officer have called the relative and re-schedule an appointment? That is lack of office procedure to the max, and lack of PR. This behaviour is unacceptable to tax-payers, who are paying those officers' salary. In the latter case the close relative left a message with the receptionist in the office, and the officer concerned has not even called the relative back. Therefore, the poor little child continues to be abused by a parent, and no one in authority is interested in the little child's welfare and well-being.
I say- "shame on the FSU for not doing your job," I hope that I never see your picture, articles or appeals in the newspaper or over the air again. Persons with family problems are only wasting their time in making complaints to the FSU, as it operates now.
I trust that the Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Police will read this letter, and put "fire on the officer" seats,' and diamond that they do the job that they are paid to do and do it efficiently.
There are too many "dead weights" in the Public Service and Law Enforcement Departments. All the public gets is voice mails when they call most Departments, and/or calls are never returned. This is unacceptable to tax-payers, to say the least. On another note, I say kudos to the RCIPS for lowering the crime rate, it is very encouraging. Keep up the good work, officers.
Thank you for the space Mr. Editor. Keep the information flowing, please.
T. William Ebanks
