Dear Editor,
On the very cool night of January 8, 2015 I sat waiting quietly and comfortably in the Quakoo Street Police Station for a relatively minute matter to be resolved. The experience, however, helped open my eyes to the intensity and enormity of unending complaints the busy police force has to face and respond to on a daily basis.
I was not there very long before a distraught mother walked into the station bewailing the fact that one of her sons was dead ("It doesn't matter 'what' he was!" she was quick to note through a consistent flow of tears), another imprisoned and that the life of the third had just been threatened by a gunman she said was no stranger to police.
The officers knew she was hurting; the mother herself had said it several times through her agonizing display of mournful hysteria. It was quite amazing and refreshing, I must add, to see how the officers allowed her to vent her frustration unabated. It proved to be an excellent move!
She had calmed down considerably before Sergeant 1299 Rolle invited her to the back to take her complaint. Moments later she reemerged with quiet sobs, but clearly relieved that someone had taken time to listen and also that an official complaint had been lodged.
Soon after, the sergeant walked outside and stood near the entrance to the station, seemingly taking in a good whiff of fresh air.
"How do you deal with such intense and highly charged situations? How do you do it?" I asked, clearly intrigued by years of skill. His short response was just as telling as his cavalier demeanor: "One day at a time, my friend. One day at a time."
I am quite certain that the commissioner is aware of the proven quality of his committed and tenacious workforce. The sergeant was on duty that night with three polished female officers behind the counter; one slender and fair-skinned and the other two of a darker hue; none were rookies, all skilled and highly competent professionals.
Commissioner Greenslade, if those officers, on duty that night, were an accurate reflection of the Quakoo Street Police Station in general, then I am left only to conclude that that station is a very fine feather in your huge hat!
- Right place at the right time

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian