JAWS

Judging by the insightful article on the use of dogs by Los Angeles law-enforcement personnel (“A Biting Controversy,” by David Beers, Feb. 9), it would appear that this practice does constitute a “terror tactic.” If the dogs were used as they should be, to ferret out suspects using the animals’ greatly enhanced senses of smell and hearing, there would be no problems. Instead, the dogs’ sharp teeth and powerful jaws are used as a form of street justice to punish those who have the audacity to run from the police.

Do Los Angeles police officers need to be reminded once again that their job is to apprehend, not punish? Dogs should be used as tools, not weapons of retribution.

MICHAEL BEAR

San Diego