LAPD Under Fire

Re “Ex-Officer Voices Criticism of Chief,” Feb 18:

The O.J. Simpson jury won’t know, supposedly, but it seems odd that precisely when they’re hearing of Los Angeles Police Department ineptitude and possible conspiracy, former LAPD Deputy Chief Stephen Downing’s letter criticizing Chief Willie Williams becomes public.

Or is it not odd?

HAL ROTHBERG

Woodland Hills

* The Simpson trial is fast becoming the joke of the century, except it should not be funny.

What the lasting effects will be nobody can predict, regardless of the verdict. One thing is certain, the defense is once again trying the Police Department and diverting everyone’s attention away from Simpson. Bashing the police is very popular and very effective, unless of course, one happens to need them at some time. I am tired of it.

I hope more people will make themselves heard in support of those who daily do a routine and difficult job, only to be made the object of ridicule and charge with ineptness when their specific actions involve someone the media declares to be important enough to cover.

My thanks to the police everywhere. Keep up the good work.

WILLIAM B. DUNSETH

Claremont

* I truly want to see Simpson have a fair trial. However, what is fair or right about the constant criticism and accusations being leveled against the officers of the LAPD by Simpson’s lawyers? They don’t seem to care how many careers and lives are destroyed by them in the name of “justice.” Can’t someone put a stop to this flagrant abuse of our court system?

NANCY GLANDER

Los Angeles