Crime Statistics
Some time back, it was reported that crime went down in New York City, and the NYPD took credit and patted itself on the back. I never heard them taking the blame for all the years of crime in New York.
And now you report that LAPD Chief Bernard Parks says that data show police working harder because they are making more arrests (March 11). Now here is my dilemma. If more arrests mean more hard-working police, what would it mean if crime went down and the police made fewer arrests? Would Parks admit that the police are not working as hard as they should or would he claim credit for bringing down crime in L.A.?
The logic in both cases defies me. I, for one, certainly hope there are fewer criminals for the police to arrest in any city. It would give them time to get to know their neighbors and the neighborhood (where they work) in a more personal way.
D.V. GOKHALE
Los Angeles
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