Officer’s Ticketing Bias Disturbing, Not Folksy

A recent Street Smart article about Officer David Gray (“Scourge of the Speed Demon, He’s Heard it all Before,” May 29) was meant to be neighborly and folksy, but I found it to be very disturbing. It’s frightening to see the press, which is supposed to hold public officials responsible, cuddle up to an officer who proudly admits to breaking the law.

The article says, “You’re going to get the ticket--no ifs, ands or slick crocodile buts about it.” However that does not apply to Mr. Gray’s family or friends, whom he will not ticket for speeding. Mr. Gray likens this to a “baker who takes home the excess bread at night.” He fails to realize that a baker has not been entrusted by the public with tax dollars to enforce the laws of California justly and fairly.

Isn’t the press supposed to hold public officials responsible for their actions? The Times has certainly done this with Chief Willie L. Williams and his unreported hotel rooms. Where is The Times’ outrage when a veteran officer publicly admits to selective enforcement? If Chief Williams were to practice this, there would be no end to self-righteous Times editorials.

MICHAEL ALLEN

North Hollywood