According to statistics databank site Nationmaster.com, Mauritius ranks second in the world with regards to the ratio of policemen to population. Figures, which date from Year 2000, indicate an honourable 7.28 policemen per 1,000 inhabitants. Such a policy is very praiseworthy of the authorities, which undoubtedly have always considered law and order as an unavoidable condition for both economic and social stability and progress.

It is therefore very important to ensure that these objectives are constantly upheld. That is why the fatal assault of a citizen on the very premises of Montagne-Blanche police station should not only be severely condemned and decried but we must see to it that such inconsistencies do not occur again. It is not the first time that the temple of law and order is debased by people who are disrespectful of life and of those responsible of protecting it.

For instance, last September, Caporal Maistry was knifed inside Beau-Bassin police station. A couple of months before, a police officer was beaten by a man armed with an iron bar inside Camp-Levieux police post, while another member of the police force was beaten on the premises of Saint-Pierre police station in September 2004. Fortunately enough, these criminal acts did not result in loss of life but it is worth questioning ourselves on the loss of respect they could have reaped in the heart of the people.

Aristotle and Plato considered the ?city state? as an organism of which individuals are only parts. They deified the ?city state? to such extent that they feared that ?where it was not, slavery and barbarism reigned.? (1) While many words such as ?politics? and ?policy? are etymologically related to ?polis? the Greek equivalent of ?city state? only the word POLICE is both etymologically and phonetically similar to it. Is it pure coincidence or does it confirm the visceral link that exists between the police and the state?

It?s normal that an organism be sick at times, but finding the right treatment is essential to prevent death; it might well be desirable and still applicable to our polis especially on the occasion of the 39th anniversary of our independence. May it be freed from the virulent disease of crime with the help of an even more respected and efficient police.

Alain JEANNOT (1)Wayper Cl. Political Thought.