Stronger Gun Laws

In response to your editorial “Murder Thins the Thin Blue Line,” March 11:

I was surprised that I found myself agreeing with you about stronger weapons laws. Usually, The Times and I are at opposite ends of the political spectrum. I would, however, like to add this thought.

I have over 15 years’ experience as a law enforcement officer in Los Angeles County. While I’m tired of all the weapons on the street, I am more tired of some members of the public and media who really do not understand just how dangerous our work is. Of course I’m referring to the three police officers killed in the last several weeks.

I ask this of the public: The next time you get stopped by the police remember to turn your radio off, turn on your interior car lights, roll down your windows and leave your hands on the steering wheel or in plain sight and follow the officer’s directions.

Help us to do our jobs safely. Rather than complain about being told to show your hands, rather than complain that the officer had his hand on his gun, rather than complain that the officer shined his light into your car, remember we don’t know who you are. So help us by understanding just how deadly stopping someone can be.

RICHARD LICHTEN

Valencia