We Can’t Afford to Throw Out Caring Officers

* Recently I was in the unfortunate position of being a crime victim and had the opportunity to meet two of the Irvine police officers now facing disciplinary actions.

During all my contact with these two officers, they both behaved impeccably. They were professional, polite and understanding.

It is difficult for me to comprehend that either could ever behave in a manner constituting conduct unbecoming an officer.

I am very disturbed about the proposed discipline of the six officers. Certainly, it is important that our Police Department take allegations of misconduct seriously and be prepared to take appropriate steps to maintain the department’s integrity.

However, it is essential that the department take such action only when necessary and not just for appearance’s sake. Behavior that is “immature or using poor judgment” is not sufficient to end the careers of dedicated professionals.

I am even more concerned with the effect the proposed discipline will have on other Irvine officers in the future.

If officers must constantly worry about potential misconduct charges and the department’s failure to back them up in the face of such charges, this cannot but affect the manner in which they perform their duty.

What a shame it will be if future crime victims must deal with cold, detached professionals who show no compassion for the citizens they serve because to show humanity is to leave themselves open to ruined reputations and shattered careers.

There are not so many dedicated, caring officers that we can afford to throw them out for “minor violations of departmental regulations.”

LISA L. FRIEZE

Irvine