Overreaction to LAPD Beating

The intent of this letter is not to rehash the incident that occurred in the Foothill Division on March 3. I am sure by now we all have heard and seen the video enough on various news programs to have it forever etched in our minds. As far as I’m concerned, this is just about the only positive aspect of the whole incident. I learned from the video, and I certainly hope that it sends a strong message to all.

My letter really pertains to the vultures who began to gather and circle when the first newscasts began. These vultures included, but certainly were not limited to, various folks running for public office, so-called civic leaders and last, but not least, newspersons of somewhat less than professional ethics.

Once the story gained nationwide notoriety, the bandwagon began to fill and anyone and everyone with various hidden agendas began to clamber aboard for their spot in the public’s eye. Suddenly, everyone became an expert on police tactics and had an opinion or view on just exactly how the incident should have been handled. Unfortunately, it didn’t stop there, and here is where the real tragedy began.

The very same people who said that the police overreacted began themselves to overreact, in an attempt to out-editorialize the others involved in the frenzy. The same people, i.e., ministers, teachers, parents and civic leaders who, not so long ago, were wringing their hands pleading with Chief Daryl Gates to rid their communities of drugs and gangs, were now rewarding his dedication, commitment, integrity and hard work by asking him to resign. These fair-weather friends were rewarding Chief Gates and the 8,000 other fine officers by condemning us for the actions of a few.

When I first viewed the videotape and heard all the adverse comments, I felt embarrassed, shamed and a sense of loss. I felt as if all our hard work over the years to improve our image over that of the officers of the ‘60s was shattered. But I started to put things into their proper perspective. How dare anyone condemn us or Chief Gates for the actions of a few? They ask members of the Los Angeles Police Department to judge and treat everyone with respect and as an individual, which 99.9% do. However, when we ask them to extend the same courtesy, they cannot or will not. Chief Gates said it best; he “won’t resign.” We, as an organization, should also be strong and continue our professional service to the community that we serve and protect.

There was a sad but predictable aftermath of the incident of March 3. One week later, there was a mini-riot in Westwood at a theater that was showing a gang/dope-related movie. When the show sold out, the people who were turned away rioted and looted area stores, causing thousands of dollars in theft and damage. When interviewed by the media, one rioter commented that the reason he and his pals rioted and looted was to protest the incident that had occurred the prior weekend.

Where were the editorials and the statements from the community at this outrage? There were none. Not because this type of animalistic behavior is condoned by most members of the community, but it just wasn’t politically sound to make a statement at that time. But not to worry, some of our less than ethical community leaders, ministers, newscasters and politicians will flip-flop and speak out on how wrong it is to riot, steal, do dope, drive-bys and gang-bang. Once again they will ask for the police to please help them and we will! We will be there for them when they need our support. I just wish they would be here for us when we need their support. It should be a two-way street, but it isn’t.

DAVID ZEIGLER, Director, Los Angeles Police Protective League