Readers React: LAPD’s DROP program: Dipping once, dipping twice

To the editor: Despite being roughed up by police more than once as a young man in the turbulent 1960s, I retain a certain respect for the men and women who choose the dangerous life of law enforcement. Today, as a man pushing 70, I can still recall the feelings of betrayal and personal insult at the hands of over-zealous police 50 years ago.

Those feelings pale in comparison to what I feel now while learning of the DROP program that has made our new police chief, Michel Moore, a very rich man for a few weeks of false retirement. The Deferred Retirement Option Plan is an insult to the entire city of Los Angeles and should stand for “Deliberate Robbery of the People.”

Philip DiGiacomo, Pacific Palisades

..

To the editor: I read this entire article searching for an acceptable reason why new LAPD Chief Moore should keep, let alone have accepted in the first place, this DROP windfall of $1.27 million. I don’t care that the outgoing chief suggested and approved it. I don’t care that the mayor approved it.

It doesn’t pass the smell test and in fact represents the most egregious example to date of a taxpayer-funded giveaway program that even its creator, former Mayor Richard Riordan, now acknowledges was a mistake in the first place.

Moore’s moral character is now on the table for all to see. Will he do the right thing? His tenure as chief is already tainted, and his credibility as a leader of men and women is shot until the day he gives the money back.

Bob Warnock, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: If newly appointed LAPD Chief Moore faced the options of being appointed chief and a) forfeiting $1.27 million or b) briefly retiring, and chose option a), Los Angeles residents ought to be seriously concerned. Moore made an obviously correct call.

Moreover, for those who may choose to criticize law enforcement payouts, the next time you see a police officer, considering walking up and saying, “Thank you for your service.”

Yes, social injustice and abuses of public monies exist. As an officer during his career, Moore put his life on the line. He chose to accept the resulting financial benefit. Moreover, if Moore’s principal commitment was not to serve the people of Los Angeles, he now demonstrably could have retired with a pension, plus a clean $1.27-million payout.

Konrad Moore, San Diego

The writer is unrelated to Chief Michel Moore

..

To the editor: The DROP program is a fiscal and moral abomination. It amounts to an assault on the taxpayers.

The program should be shut down and its backers should be cast out by the voters at the next election.

Tim Estle, West Hills

..

To the editor: Shame on Moore! He should return the $1.27-million DROP money to the taxpayers or resign. How does he have the nerve to serve the people of Los Angeles when he games the system for his own benefit?

Janet Minami, Woodland Hills

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook