A Badge of Honor, Not of Enforcers

The likeness of the Los Angeles Police Department’s badge depicted on the front page of The Times’ sports section on Feb. 6, coupled with the motto of the LAPD shown under the picture of the brawling hockey player, is an affront to the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police officers everywhere are charged with the responsibility of keeping the peace. It is only after the peacekeeping fails that our role turns to that of “enforcing the law.” The Times’ casual and thoughtless depiction of a police badge is harmful and counterproductive to the role of the police officer in our society. We are not brawlers or “goons,” we are the proud men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department.

The LAPD is dedicated to protecting and serving the public in the most professional manner possible. Most often we are the only ones who can be counted upon to help people in emergency situations. If the public’s perception of the LAPD is one of mean-spirited “enforcers and tough guys,” then perhaps they may hesitate to call us for fear of our response. If the Los Angeles Times is to remain a respected publication in our community, then you should take a second look at your journalistic presentations and consider the impact of your articles.

WILLIE L. WILLIAMS

Chief of Police