Hahn and Parks Part Ways on a Second Term

Re “Hahn Explains Stance on Chief; Many Express Anger,” Feb. 6: It was inappropriate for Mayor James Hahn to announce his opinion when we have a Police Commission--which he appointed--and a charter procedure to determine the choice.

Further, why criticize Chief Bernard Parks for the disciplinary measures he instituted while acknowledging the existent problems in the Los Angeles Police Department? The decision should be based on merit, not racial issues, which make media comments attributed to members of the black community referring to “being betrayed” seem inappropriate.

Jerry Earle

Los Angeles

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Things not spoken about the LAPD:

1. Attrition among officers: Suburbs use the LAPD to avoid the cost of training their own.

2. Officers’ “low morale” is directly related to their transition from an unfettered do-as-you-please history under Parker-Reddin-Gates. Those officers don’t live in Los Angeles.

3. Look at the race of the complainers and those leaving the department.

4. Recognize the obvious: Police officers ought to be residents of the city in which they “protect and serve.” Add this requirement and watch the department improve, citizen complaints diminish and the “intractable” problems disappear.

Caldwell Williams

Los Angeles

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Although I am not African American, I am seriously disappointed in Mayor Hahn’s refusal to back Chief Parks for a second term. This will be the second [African American] police chief of L.A. to be toppled in a row, sending the message everywhere that Angelenos are not so ready for multiculturalism as they like to think.

Ann Maupin

Los Angeles

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Chief Parks should not have asked for a second five-year term as LAPD chief. Mayor Hahn told Parks that he would not support a second term before Parks announced that he wanted a second term (Feb. 5).

No matter the outcome of this political fight, Parks loses because his career advancement or non- advancement is tinged with politics and scandal. Parks should have followed Hahn’s suggestion that he take credit for improvements and retire.

Jeff Warner

La Habra Heights