Parks’ Changes in Community Policing

Re “Parks’ Community Policing Changes Drawing Criticism,” Oct. 9: Community policing is an attitude, not a job description. Chief Bernard Parks is absolutely correct in wanting to provide the community with another 160 senior lead officers to patrol the streets as part of his reorganization efforts.

One of the most effective ingredients of safe neighborhoods is police presence to ensure that laws are upheld and criminals are apprehended, hopefully in the commission of a crime rather than after the fact. Active patrolling goes hand in hand with harmonious civilian/police working relationships. Neither task should be ignored.

Let’s see the evidence of Parks’ effort for at least a year before the second-guessers tie his hands behind his back.

JODY CLARK

Los Angeles

* During the last three years, the Harbor City Business Coalition and the LAPD have made tremendous strides in improving the safety and quality of life in our neighborhood. This was accomplished after we installed and supported a new substation, and a lead officer was assigned to work with the community. The prior 15 years of basic patrol did little to curb the drugs, prostitution and other illegal activity in our area. The difference now is remarkable. The Harbor City substation is a beacon of light in the darkness.

We understand that the chief’s decision is partially based on increasing manpower on the streets. However, we believe the substation with a senior lead officer is an effective force multiplier. The basic patrol car plan only handles situations that are in progress or after the fact. With the lead officers assigned to the community, they are constantly monitoring the present and the potential problems.

We are extremely concerned that the new policy has the potential to damage everything we have worked so hard to gain. We only hope the chief is willing to reassess his policy and will monitor the situation at regular intervals.

JOHN LOWDERMILK, Pres.

Harbor City Business Coalition

* Re “Don’t Dismantle Community Policing,” Commentary, Oct. 9: Joe Shea is articulate and has perspective. Community-based policing has taken years to develop and it works!

Why would our new police chief dismantle an effective system and effectively return our neighborhoods to the bad old days. Was the Christopher Commission a waste of time and money?

MAGGIE BRAMMALL

Topanga