Yagman on LAPD

* I read with utter amazement the April 25 commentary, “Bada Bing, L.A. City Hall Has a RICO Ring,” wherein Stephen Yagman expresses his twisted pleasure at the federal court’s decision allowing the LAPD to be sued under the RICO statute. The Police Department is having great difficulty in attracting qualified police officer candidates for nearly 1,000 vacancies. It is also having problems keeping the good ones they have. Everyone is painfully aware of the Rampart fiasco and the effect it has had on morale throughout the department.

But having our Police Department placed in the same category as the Mafia is probably the most destructive act that could occur. Who would want to hire on to a police department that is being sued as an ongoing criminal enterprise? This bashing must stop if our fine Police Department is ever going to recover.

PAUL MIZE

West Covina