Controversy Over Gates, Bradley
“To serve and protect.” That is the motto of the LAPD. But much more than a motto, it is a vow to the people of this city.
Most recently we have seen this vow and related images splashed across your pages in a paid advertisement which displayed a coffin containing an officer killed in the line of duty.
In the line of duty, death, unfortunately, is a day-to-day reality that our officers have accepted as a part of the job. However, senseless maiming and victimization of private citizens by the Police Department are also unfortunate realities that are not acceptable in Los Angeles or the United States.
Beatings, such as the one taken by King, are inexcusable. Comparing the death of an officer in the line of duty to the atrocities of police officers who have broken their vow is an insult to our dead heroes and heroines on the force and the public whom they so honorably vowed to serve and protect.
TONY BROWN, Los Angeles
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