2 Views of Fatal Shooting by Police

* It never ceases to amaze me how the Los Angeles Times continues to print stories that bash the already pummeled Los Angeles Police Department.

I’ve just read the story regarding Santos Gallardo (Nov. 8) and her federal civil lawsuit on the lawful use of force against her son, Efran Lopez, which resulted in his death.

Lopez was under the influence of PCP, according to his autopsy. Lopez was shot nine times in the torso as he advanced on Officer Neil Goldberg with a one-pound broomstick.

The officer is my LAPD academy classmate. He was a superior classmate and recruit. A broomstick is a dangerous weapon. Lopez had broken two car windows with that one. It takes about 12 pounds of blunt-force pressure against the temple to kill someone.

Sure, the officers had other officers en route. The only problem was that Lopez wasn’t waiting.

Nine rounds fired into the torso of an advancing suspect is a nightmare for any officer. But our shooting policy allows us to protect ourselves from serious bodily injury. Lopez was intent on causing serious bodily injury.

I’m sure the Los Angeles Times will continue to print sympathetic stories about suspects killed by law enforcement and their surviving families. Just give us the same coverage when law enforcement officers get injured on a daily basis and on that worst day of all, when a law enforcement officer is killed protecting people like Santos Gallardo.

THOMAS J. MASON

Canyon Country

* How much longer will we tolerate outrageous violent behavior by police officers? Time and again they have demonstrated a lack of self-control coupled with a wanton disregard for the very lives they have sworn to protect and serve.

My heart goes out to Santos Gallardo. Do not think for one moment that she would have called the police, whom she trusted to subdue her son, had she known that they would kill him.

Lastly, remember this: “Silence is consent.” Will it be our loved ones next, or our neighbor’s child?

I have one suggestion and one comment for the Los Angeles Police Department:

* Use nets to subdue.

* Remember that you are professionals, not thugs.

JANICE DAVIS

Northridge