Opinion: Tulsa and Charlotte shootings beg the question: What kind of training are police getting?

To the editor: A shooting or death at the hands of police officers of any innocent unarmed citizen, African American or white, is always heartbreaking.

( “ ‘Disturbing’ videos rattle Tulsa,” Sept. 21 and “Chief won’t release shooting video,” Sept. 23)

With today’s technology, many of these horrifying events are captured on bystanders’ cellphones or police body cameras. I would be curious to see the video coverage of how similar situations are handled by police encountering a white suspect. It’s my bet that the treatment and outcome for a white person is far different. I am white, by the way.

Jim Anderson, Beverly Hills

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To the editor: I have great respect and admiration for those who have the unenviable task of being law enforcement officers as they have come to my rescue on four occasions in my life. They are heroes to me.

But given the recent spate tragic events resulting in questionable deaths, I have to wonder if enough guidance and training are provided to those who “protect and serve”?

Craig Carr, West Hills

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To the editor: I think the Charlotte protests over police shootings and calls for dialogue and justice are meaningless.

We need uniform federal laws that address how police can interact with suspects. Police and protesters will always look at the same video and come to opposite conclusions. With every city having different policing training and tactics, I don’t think the impasse will ever be broken.

Robert Bubnovich, Irvine

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