Readers React: Common-sense policing and Isla Vista

California has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country, including one that requires us to register guns. According to police, all of Isla Vista shooter Elliot Rodger’s guns were legally registered. (“Deputies didn’t know Elliot Rodger owned guns, officials say,” May 30)

So why didn’t police check the registration listing before going in for the welfare check before the tragedy? What is the point of registering guns if the police do not make a quick check?

The officers should have asked Rodger if they could have entered his apartment. His cool demeanor may have changed enough to arouse their suspicion, as we now know he was concerned about police discovering his weapons and plans.

William Baker

Yorba Linda

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department is right: Deputies did their job according to the law when they talked to Rodger.

But if their job is to protect and serve, is it too much to ask to add some common sense to the job?

If you’re asked to check on someone who’s made disturbing videos, you consult a checklist and do three things: Ask to see the videos, take a mental health worker with you to talk to the person, and check all databases to see if the person owns guns.

I know it’s easy to say in hindsight, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Robert Bubnovich

Irvine