LAPD’s priorities

Re “LAPD policy on riot gear criticized after injury,” Jan. 20

The Times writes: “Top LAPD commanders said their main priority is the safety of officers.”

Funny, I thought the safety of the public was the main priority of the Police Department. Should we change the slogan on the cars from “To Protect and Serve” to “To Cower and Run Away,” as the Los Angeles Police Protective League would like? Any commander who doesn’t understand that the top priority is public safety needs to be fired today. The public can’t have them on the job one second longer.

No one wants to see an officer injured, but if an injury to an officer prevents hundreds of injuries to the public and the destruction of millions of dollars of property, it may be necessary. The union had better read the job description again.

Gary Charpentier

Pasadena