Rodriguez on Police Brutality
Obviously, no useful purpose would be served by attempting to contradict Rodriguez’s diatribe against law enforcement. However, I can and will dispute his facts.
In the third paragraph, Rodriguez states “ . . . two off-duty Los Angeles County deputies and a Maywood officer stormed a Maywood city jail cell and beat Marino D. Castillo. . . .”
In the first place, the precautionary term “allegedly” might be a wise idea to insert in this statement. I have noted that this is standard practice for The Times when talking about murderers and rapists, but apparently not when talking about police officers.
Secondly, if Rodriguez wishes to attack the police, perhaps he should at least accuse the correct department. In the original account of the incident, published in The Times, it was very clearly stated that the two deputy sheriffs allegedly involved were from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, not Los Angeles County.
As a sergeant (and a sworn deputy) on the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, I feel that by his statement, Rodriguez has incorrectly and unfairly besmirched my reputation and that of my colleagues.
SGT. DANIEL L. PATZ
Los Angeles County
Sheriff’s Department
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