Mark Kroeker

Your July 12 article cast a haze over Deputy Chief Mark Kroeker as a suitable candidate for chief of police. My issue is over the tactics of Sgt. Ronnie Cato, vice president of the black officers association, trying to malign this outstanding man.

I have known Kroeker professionally for over 20 years. In all that time I have found him to treat everyone fairly and to be a strong supporter of minority and female issues. When he was assigned to the South Bureau he was well respected and well liked by the community and the police officers who worked for him.

It would take a search of greater magnitude than is currently underway for police chief to find an officer who has given more to his/her city than Kroeker. He raises money for charity, helps children and the elderly, and cares about all people no matter what their ethnic background. [Cato’s remarks] are dirty politics at its worst. This was an underhanded cheap shot at a man who has dedicated his life to treating everyone fairly.

DON MANNING

La Canada

* Cato made several inflammatory and unsubstantiated allegations. It is imperative that the community understands that the African American command officers (captains, commanders and deputy chiefs) on the Los Angeles Police Department do not agree with or endorse the view held by Cato.

We are extremely disappointed that race had to be injected in an otherwise neutral selection process for the next chief. An internal faction based on race is neither healthy for the department nor the community.

We do not want to inhibit Cato’s ability to ask tough and pertinent questions or bring forth issues. However, the LAPD is one of the most diversified police departments in the nation. Consequently, there will always be variance and disagreement among members on the department. Although Cato may not agree with certain issues, he must understand that a difference of opinion does not always transcend into a racial issue. The racial issue in the selection process for the next chief of police is out of place and unwarranted.

CAPT. HARLAN WARD

COMMANDER J.I. DAVIS

DEP. CHIEF BERNARD PARKS