I honestly feel that our police force is somewhat underrated by most of the people it serves. Personally speaking, I have never doubted their ability and can certainly vouch with some authority as to their pedigree.

In an ideal world, one would not feel the need to commend them because acceptance of all the good work done every day of the year by our law enforcement agency would be normal. However, recent excellent detection work has certainly brought to the fore the professionalism and policing skills of our force. I think every member, from the Police Commissioner right down to the youngest recruit, should be very proud of recent achievements. It is a thankless task at times, especially when the courts seem to be on a different wavelength when it comes to sentencing those who would have been found guilty.

There is a very worrying weakness: the dishing out of suspended sentences seem to have become the normal, such that the person in the street is fast doubting the fairness of the whole legal system.

The police force deserves the backing and the full support of the community it serves. Politicians need to also recognise and deal quickly with any pending issues relating to outstanding payments to members of the force. We all owe a lot to the fine body of men and women in blue for the enjoyable quality of life on our wonderful islands.