Yesterday, THE STAR carried the story of Mabel Phillips, who says she was physically assaulted by the police 10 years ago.

In addition to still feeling the physical effects of the attack, which she says included gunshots in her back, she is facing a situation of not being able to find redress through the appropriate channels.

It is interesting, though, that although the Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI) does not have a complaint from Ms. Phillips on record (their records do not go that far back), she says she was charged for resisting arrest. It is not an unfamiliar charge; read about any altercation between the police and the public and the charge of resisting arrest is almost sure to arise.

What is often never clear is why they were being arrested in the first place. If someone is charged with resisting arrest and no other charge is laid against them, then what was the need for the arrest in the first place?

The Jamaican police do not have the most pleasant of reputations, despite the presence of officers who do their very difficult jobs in an exemplary manner. It would help immensely in their pursuit of a better relationship with citizens if, in their pursuit of criminals, there is some clarity with their charges.

Maybe it is a case of a lack of communication on the part of the police that needs to be addressed. Otherwise, the perception of a police force that often does disservice to the public that it is mandated to serve and protect will continue.