Review of 911 Arrest

Regarding my infamous 911 arrest (“911 Caller Ends Up In Jail Because of Computer Error,” July 19), I would like to comment on the two issues involved.

First, for many years in the beach area in which we live, many disturbances have occurred because of the parties late at night on the beach. Things were getting out of hand as on many nights we would literally have swarms of teen-agers racing cars, drinking in the streets, and indeed one night had an incident where a young man was struck in the head with a crowbar during a melee. Our community had meetings with the Oxnard Police Department and we were told to phone 911 whenever these gatherings started. That way the police could respond quickly and disperse everyone before the trouble began. Generally, the kids were merely told to leave the area.

Over the last year or so, things have been mostly quiet with only a few small gatherings. However, two weeks or so ago, things began to build again. The disturbance would start up about 2 a.m. and not end until about 4 a.m. After the second time, I called 911 as we were instructed to do.

Second, I have had countless calls from the public identifying with my problem regarding minor traffic tickets in Ventura County. Each person who called was also arrested because of an erroneous warrant issued by the county even though they had also taken care of the ticket. It is time for the county to admit fault regarding these computer errors. Also, it is very important for the motorist who takes care of a ticket in the proper manner to keep all his/her records, perhaps even in the glove box of their cars. Judging from the many phone calls I’ve had, this is a very common problem.

I have a feeling of helplessness about this situation. I followed the letter of the law in taking care of my ticket and that law has protected me. I now have a police record that I cannot erase.

HELENE GOLEMAN, Oxnard