EDITOR, The Tribune.

This is to draw the Commissioner of Police’s kind attention to an incident that took place at my home on July 6, 2012.

As we all are aware of the number of lawless activities going on in our little Bahamas hardly a day goes by when an incident of theft or chain-snatching does not take place. Illicit drugs is openly sold and bought right in the area where I live. Murders, rapes and night brawls are quite common. Groups of hooligans and loafers can be seen loitering about in the streets. The people of The Bahamas are very frightened.

There is a growing feeling of insecurity among us. And I do understand that police officers are often the victims of spurious complaints. But I was appalled by the recent encounter with two Police officers from the East Street south Police Station — they are representatives of the Police Force.

However, I was mortified, and I am embarrassed to say that I was so dumbfounded by the rude behaviour of one of the officers who did not identify himself until I asked and even then he was extremely rude.

I was unable to get the officers’ names. My electricity in my home is off and until am able to turn it back on am using my generator. I only use the generator for a short time at night because am not home during the day and I get in late.

The police officers told me that he had a complaint about the generator and that I needed to turn it off, and if I don't he threatened to arrest me.

Just here in the news the other day Hurricane awareness was advising and telling people what to do and what to buy for the hurricane season; and a generator was a part of this list. As well as whenever the electricity turns off for several hours in the south, the East Street South Police Station generator automatically turns on. Am I missing something? Is there a law against having a generator? Could someone please kindly enlighten me?

I made sure to question the officer on the number of complaints and he assured me it was a complaint, not forgetting to highlight that he is also able to hear the generator; from where? I wonder!

Several months ago a thief vandalised my home taking with him several items costing quite a bit of cash. I had to call the police station five times before anyone came and that took six hours. By the time they came I had already cleaned up and gone to bed. I asked the police how is it that you can show up after one complaint about a generator and I had to call the station several times when my home was robbed? Again he was rude, telling me if I don't like it go and complain to Commissioner Greenslade.

There are many pleas from the police force for the public to help them in solving crimes. I wonder if you own a generator and use it when needed is that a crime?

Accountability in the police force is key to healthy law enforcement.

SHARON FERGUSON-QUINTAS

Nassau,

July, 2012.