Readers React: Daniele Watts got what she deserved from police

To the editor: The police have such an incredibly hard job. Every day, they put their lives on the line, something that most of us aren’t willing to do. (“LAPD investigates officers’ conduct in detention of actress,” Sept. 14)

When officers responded to a call of indecent conduct, they were not picking on actress Daniele Watts or her boyfriend; they were simply responding to a complaint. When police asked for her identification — which they have the right to do — had Watts been respectful and just shown it to the officer, the situation never would have escalated as it did.

But Watts chose to be confrontational and, I believe, deserved the treatment she got.

Judy Winick, Los Angeles

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To the editor: I would like the police to cite the code section under which a citizen is required to produce a government-issued photo identification upon police demand. I am unaware of this requirement except in certain situations like driving a motor vehicle.

When walking, I do not carry a government-issued photo ID. If this requirement is codified, a public education program is essential.

Scott Zenz, Tujunga

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