Some Ideas to Combat Molesters

* I would like to suggest to all the well-meaning people passing out the flyers about the Valley molester that although the person responsible for all of these attacks is sure to be caught (and released), the volunteers’ efforts would be better spent changing some of the ridiculous laws that allow convicted criminals to serve a fraction of their sentences and allow plea bargaining to take place.

The system is what is at fault and, until we make up our minds to change it, the criminal element will continue its shenanigans in court.

SHERWIN SMALLEY

Encino

* The police cannot be everywhere at every given moment. Why don’t we help them?

My idea is to have a spray device safe for a child to carry at all times and to use when a dangerous situation arises. Or a device that will set off a terribly loud noise that would deter anyone and would give the child time to run.

The use of these devices could be taught in school by a police officer, who could also explain that they are not toys and should be used only when a situation is frightening.

PRISCILLA C. VOEKS

Westlake Village

* We no longer take care of each other. We are afraid of, or are indifferent to, our neighbors. The only time we seem to band together is when there is a common disaster.

We demand to be taken care of by organized civil servants who are poorly paid and equally poorly equipped. The civil servants do not know us personally, nor do they interact with us. We expect them to perform because they are paid with our tax dollars. Their performance alleviates our responsibility to our neighbor. If they falter along the way, how easy it is for us to blame the system rather than attempt to institute change.

A molester of children is on the loose in the Valley. The parents and friends of all the children are up in arms because the police have not caught this individual and, through the media, have been castigating the police for allowing this person to prey on their offspring.

We have to take responsibility for ourselves and do the right thing. The right thing would be to establish a community policing team. This team would be constantly on the alert for situations that could affect the community and work in concert with the local constabulary.

Why must we wait for a common disaster? Why can’t we prevent this disaster from occurring? Why do we have to expect others to address these situations and, if they do not succeed, be quick to blame them?

MARK J. GERIN

Woodland Hills