LAPD Workweek Shifts Hours and Loyalties

Re “As Compressed LAPD Week Nears Debut, Study Predicts Mixed Results,” Nov. 16: “The majority of police officers who work 12-hour shifts like the schedule because of the additional time off that can be used for family and other personal activities,” the study said. No kidding. So would the rest of us.

You know, I like Mayor James Hahn--not a bad guy for a Democrat--but this is a really stupid idea. Think of it--they get four days off. Why can’t they work five days a week, eight hours a day like everybody else? Are they going to be more professional, reasoned, patient, responsive or, God forbid, more polite? Are there going to be fewer shootings of people with screwdrivers for weapons? Fewer shootings of people in Halloween costumes? I think not.

I don’t agree with treating police in a special manner. A three-day workweek should be held in reserve for the time when they have eliminated all the gangs--our local little terrorists--in Los Angeles. When that happens I will gladly support this misguided notion.

Steve Menlo

Hollywood