Our Law Enforcement Challenge
Guest Opinion by J.J. Estemac
Anyone who is conscious of their surroundings, who is a casual observer, can see the lack of law enforcement in our community. The agencies and people charged with the enforcement of our laws and regulations are blatantly derelict. Does the current administration consider law and order in our community a priority? Daily we see people violating all kinds of laws and regulations and no one to enforce them. Is it that we have already lost our sense of good governance?
Our republican form of democratic government where we have three equal branches of one government, they are coequal by statute, in theory, which is supposed to provide balance in our government. If each branch maximizes their statutory authority and responsibility then we ideally would have a truly balanced government. It is up to us the citizens of this nation, this society, who believe in law and order, in an orderly society, govern by laws, to organize ourselves and demand that our representatives in government fulfill their oath of office and apply all our laws consistently and fairly.
The legislature passes bills which becomes law. The executive is required to follow and enforce our laws. The judiciary is call upon to interpret our laws and the constitution, as it applies to our territory. It is that simple, but the individuals we choose to represent us in too many instances fail to carry out that simple mandate. Character flaws play a big role in the failure of these branches from carrying out their statutory mandate. Not the least is the ego and lack of self discipline of these representatives. They look out for their personal interests, whether it is perpetuating them in the job or seeking additional pecuniary gain at the expense of the taxpayers.
One of the principal roles of the legislature in addition to passing bills is their oversight responsibility over the other two branches of government. This is part of the check and balance envisioned by the framer of our system of government. You can evaluate, as an informed citizen whether the legislature have been consistent in exercising its oversight duties.
The executive branch includes the Governor, the Cabinet and all the other executive agencies (autonomous and semi-autonomous). We all experience the poor public services we have to endure, which includes unfriendly attitudes (unprofessional) of public servants at all levels. It appears they are not properly trained on how to best carry out their assignments, which they are there to satisfy the needs of the public who they are paid to serve. We see law enforcement agents with vehicles all over but very little law enforcement. We understand that it is the head of each department and agencies that set the tone in carrying forward their mission, but if the head of the department and agencies remains aloof from the operations of the units they are unable to exercise the desired positive influence on subordinates. In the executive branch the “buck stop” at the Governor’s desk. So if the Governor fails to appoint capable persons who share his vision of governance, the responsibility for its failure belongs to the Governor.
The judicial branch, the courts, we now have the Superior Court (formerly Territorial Court) and a local Supreme Court. Like in every other human endeavor the personality of the individual determines in most instances their success in carrying out a mission. I do not know how well the “first branch of government”, the legislature monitor the courts, the judges, to evaluate their performances, I suspect very little if at all. It is my impression that the budget of the courts needs realigning and the administration of our courts be centrally administered. I believe a hierarchical system for the courts is more effective and economical, notwithstanding present personality rivalry and/or conflicts.
We need to pay attention to the greater good for our government and not subordinate it to petty personality rivalry. One of our most difficult flaws is the lack of self discipline and lack of vision of the total picture. It is my prayer that sooner rather than later we would begin the process of selecting our candidates for public offices, both elected and appointed. Do not wait for six months or even a year before election to decide on candidates, it should be a continual search; the selection process always in motion. Let us gain control of our government, of our future, let us get involve and stay in involve with other concern citizens. Let us show the succeeding that we how to exercise their rights and obligations as citizens, as responsible citizens.
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The title on this piece is slightly misleading. It would have been more appropriately entitled, “The Role of Government and Selecting Responsible Leaders.” There is really nothing here that speaks to the challenge of law enforcement. And if we want to talk about lawlessness, let’s not just address the lawlessness on the streets and of our youth. Let’s look at ALL the lawlessness; from the Governor on down.
I agree, The Captian of the ship is responsible for everything from top down. However it is nice not having to obey traffic laws like you have to in the states. Running stop sighs, passing when your not suppose to, speeding….it’s kinda fun!!!!
By the title of this editorial alone, I’d like to post this:
Why is it allowed by VIPD to have drug dealers to congregate and use in public places? I just left an fsted gas station where there were 15+ people and KIDS in the parking lot dealing and smoking pot. FINE, as an adult, if one wants to smoke dope, fine, but take it home. DO NOT allow children to see that this unlawful activity is permitted by VIPD. Permitted? Well I called 911, and after 30 mins, still no VIPD. I drove by VIPD, and there were 4 patrol cars in the lot, but I am sure the desk officer will have some excuse. Neighbors, wake up! How are our kids supposed to learn the consequences of wrong when there are none? Yes, this is basic dope smoking, but even after nearly an hour my clothes still reak, thats how much was in the air. Imagine what it did to those 8-10 yr old kids hanging with the parents!
SHAME ON THE 911 DISPATCHER AND VIPD. YOU BOTH HAVE FAILED THE KIDS THAT WE SO DESPERATELY NEED TO BE OUR FUTURE.
You should take a college writing course or something similar. The article’s points are correct, but its title is incredibly misleading.
One solution is to send all of our police officers to the states. Permenantly. Then send stateside officers here to work. The problem seems to be that on our tiny island, the officer show up and it’s his friend/cousin/brother/schoolmate who is committing the crime. He knows that to arrest the guy will mean retaliation by the criminal’s friends or gangsters. It’s an implicit law in St. Croix that you NEVER turn in a fellow West Indian, even for murder. Police officers are still bound by this mob rule. Therefore they can never truly be effective. The system is hopelessly broken by the rules of the culture. So I keep my weapons loaded and a shovel handy. Go ahead, try to break into my house or car. I won’t even bother to call the police.