We read a lot from people in certain neighbourhoods that the police and the army personnel continuously harass them and then they go to the media showing off bruises, claiming that they were also beaten.
Let me then give an example from my youth. One night I and some youngsters from my neighbourhood were sitting on a culvert talking, and a constable came up on patrol and said that when he returned, he didn't want to see us there. Although we knew that it would be some time before he came back, we dispersed, no back talk. Did he harass us?Nowadays if a policeman did that, the youth would refuse and give back talk. Now what is the policeman to do? After all, he represents the law, like it or not, whether he is liked or not.
Another example from my youth: A group of us were coming home at night from a function; there was a coconut vendor near Jerningham Avenue away from the other vendors; one in the group suggested that we rob him of some nuts, and a few did so. The man chased us some distance.
Not everyone stole or attempted to do so, but if we were caught, all would have been guilty. This is what can occur when a group congregate doing nothing, just being idle. The police or army personnel know that; so in order to prevent idle hands getting into trouble, they tell you to move. Is this harassment?
When I move around at night, I see some youth just hanging out. The potential for trouble is there–either a drive-by shooting or else getting into trouble, having been influenced by someone in the group.Youth, find something worthwhile to do and stop hanging out.Also, don't give those in authority lip when they tell you to move on or leave the area. Defying their authority is just making them less in others' eyes–and the result could be a beating.
Clermont Andrews
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