LAPD Expansion, Community-Based Policing

I admit it, I’m a cop. I work a patrol car and I attempt to train and guide new officers emerging from the Police Academy. The difficulty of that task is usually directly proportionate to the general ability and quality of those men and women. After reading “LAPD Reform Falls Short, Study Says” (July 10), I despair at the naivete of some of the quoted sources. According to community organizations’ representatives, “Hiring and retention of women and minorities is far too low.” That may be true, but why?

If I am entrusted to truly assess ability and quality, and find either or both lacking in any probationary officer, can I only say so and act if that officer is not a woman or minority? Forcing the retention of any deficient or even inept probationary officer only dilutes the quality of the organization itself.

Representation has been assured at the candidate level by the removal of a standard entrance testing score and the easing of the physical ability test. Remedial academy training has been instituted as never before.

I work with many men and women who are as proud as I am to call ourselves Los Angeles police officers. We have all types of backgrounds with different beliefs and attitudes, bound together by a common desire to make a difference. We attempt to ensure our communities’ safety by not compromising training standards.

RICHARD ASTON

Los Angeles

* Re “LAPD Ties Drop in Arrests to New Style of Policing,” July 5: I am perplexed that some members of the Los Angeles Police Commission do not understand how arrest and citation statistics have dropped off since the Police Department implemented community-based policing. Most knowledgeable criminal justice policymakers and professionals understand when they properly introduce this style of policing into a law enforcement agency and community it can garner varying results.

One reason for this is the department’s internal reward system has been changed. Officers are no longer recognized for simply producing numbers. Supervisors are now held accountable for their subordinates’ actions and are required to judge them by the quality of their work and not just the quantity.

By all indications, the LAPD is successfully moving into a community-based policing philosophy under the leadership of Chief Willie Williams. Serious crime and citizens’ complaints against the department are down. Yet the pundits and detractors still complain and suggest they have unanswered questions!

KENTON W. RAINEY, President Southern California Chapter

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives

Culver City