Courts Must Follow Detectives Into the Night

* Your story regarding the change in work hours for detectives mentioned many investigators are unhappy about working evenings and weekends (“Chief Orders Detectives to Work Nights, Weekends,” May 4).

Admittedly, East Coast police departments operate under a 24-hour plan. However, those police agencies are part of an overall criminal processing system. Their system incorporates all aspects of the judicial cycle. Arresting officers book their prisoners and make notification to the after-hours detective, who in turn interviews the arrestee and prepares the necessary follow-up paperwork in order to file a criminal case. The detective then files the case with the district attorney’s office, which is adequately staffed for nights and weekends. (Not in L.A.). The suspect is eventually arraigned at night court. (You won’t find an after-hours courtroom here in the Valley or maybe in the entire city.)

Yes, detective work hours are changing, but the rest of the Los Angeles judicial system must align itself with those same hours. This will ensure the same conformity and efficiency that worked so well under the old system.

JAMES L. RAHM

Chatsworth