Zero tolerance allows no room for mercy
Date Posted: Friday, February 15, 2008Author: Pastor Maria Seaman
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Wow! Zero tolerance. This is almost an unbelievable state of operation. Let’s give a definition of zero tolerance: “Zero tolerance is the concept of giving carte blanche to the police for the inflexible repression of minor offences, homeless people and the disorders associated with them. Under a system of zero tolerance, persons in positions of authority – who might otherwise exercise their discretion in making subjective judgments regarding the severity of a given offense – are instead compelled to act in particular ways and, where relevant, to impose a pre-determined punishment regardless of individual culpability or "extenuating circumstances". (“Zero Tolerance” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, January 2008)
Simply put, when the police operate in the manner of zero tolerance, they do not use discretion and judge each case independently. Instead they mete out the same punishment no matter whom they are dealing with. No one will be able to explain or persuade his or her way out of a fine. This is zero tolerance. You do the crime, you will get fined (or do the time).
At the onset, who can disagree with zero tolerance? Indeed, many of us think, “Yes, finally, the authorities are getting serious”. We think that perhaps this “crack down” will finally crack the case for finding out how to bring the citizens of Bermuda into proper alignment with the laws on the books.
Therefore, we in Bermuda have seen, heard or experienced some part of zero tolerance, as our police force are out in the numbers – especially along East Broadway in the morning. We have also seen more police circulating around the city of Hamilton.
I am sure that by now, all of those who make 9 am – 5 pm are “on their toes” when it comes to speeding, stopping at the stop sings and red lights, making sure the seat belts are on, having the car licensed and carrying their own personal license.
I believe that this effort has been wonderfully successful. In an effort to fulfill the mandate of zero tolerance, however, our authorities must work on being as vigilant during the other 9-5 hours. That is, from 9 pm – 5 am. What a difference zero tolerance will make for those who work the other shift hours.
Personally, as a Christian, I do not believe in zero tolerance. For if God operated according to this policy, we would never be able to say “mercy rewrote our lives”. Indeed, as guilty as I was, while I was in sin, God still showed mercy and grace by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for me. Jesus is our justifier and our redeemer. Jesus took the blame for our sin and then paid the fine, so that you and I could have the opportunity to live a victorious life.
Bermuda, think about the case recently of the ferry pilot who was dismissed from his job. Zero tolerance was shown when he was first dismissed. However, it was not long before zero tolerance had to be tempered with grace and mercy, and he was given a job.
You see zero tolerance does not look at the person or the circumstances; it only looks at the crime and thus the punishment is delivered. However, in a community, such as Bermuda, we are driven (eventually) to deal with matters based on the pulse of the community and the circumstances of the life of that person.
Nah. Zero tolerance will not be possible in neighbourly Bermuda. Even the authorities know that they have to tolerate some crimes because of a lack of proof and a refusal of witnesses to come forward. You see, in order for zero tolerance to really be effective in Bermuda (in dealing with the big crimes), citizens have to band together and operate in zero tolerance.
Personally, I have three children and I am trying my best to operate in the mode of zero tolerance. Hmm. However, somehow, as a parent, I know that I must administer my care, punishment and love towards my children with a measure of God’s mercy and grace. There goes zero tolerance!