Gates’ Remarks Over Slaying of Policewoman

The tragedy of the death of the first woman police officer killed in the line of duty is compounded by the failure to place blame on the alcohol that lowers people’s inhibitions and allows them to act more aggressively. Too many commmunities recognize the relationship to increased alcohol availability, increased alcohol consumption and increased alcohol-related problems only after a tragic death.

Since alcohol is involved in suicides, homicides, motor vehicle crashes, rapes, teen-age pregnancies, not to mention transmission of AIDS and domestic violence, I hope that The Times will inform readers what the status of alcohol and other drugs is in relationship to crimes and tragedies.

TRISHA ROTH, MD

Member, Westside Alcohol Policy Coalition, Beverly Hills