Earl Zero actually cut the first version of Please Officer back in 1975 for Tommy Cowan on the Arab label. However, the Prince Jammy production on Cruise Records is the one that truly captured the hearts of the fans. Jammy recorded this at Harry J Studio, where veteran Sylvan Morris was the chief engineer, before Jammy moved the tapes over to Waterhouse so King Tubby could finalize the mix. While the credits often point to Tubby himself, it is very likely that Jammy did the mix at King Tubby’s studio instead of Tubby. That signature Waterhouse weight is present, but the style suggests Jammy was the one at the controls.

This tune is a real roots killer that fires on every level. Earl’s delivery is raw and honest, which is exactly what these lyrics demand. The track feels heavy because it deals with police pressure and the way the system treats the Rasta community in Babylon. The riddim is punishing, with a bassline that definitely puts any speaker set to the test. On the flip, Augustus Pablo brings those ghostly melodica notes to create a perfect contrast to the deep, heavy dub. This one belongs in every serious crate.