Beanbag Shooting

* “Police Clash May Cost Woman an Eye,” Dec. 1: I am stunned! While reading the article, I was continually amazed by the L.A. police saying each [beanbag] shot was justified! Where did these people get their training? The School of the Americas? Not only do our elections look like a banana republic, but our so-called police act like the thugs called police in banana republics. We appear to be in deep trouble. I am disgusted by the cavalier attitude of the officers and their supervisors.

KIM WHITMYRE

Long Beach

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Your report on the shooting of an unarmed woman in the face is by far one of the worst this year. This so-called protector of the people was afraid for himself and his partners? Baloney. To shoot this woman in the face with a shotgun/beanbag, and then she lies on the dirty, greasy gas station pavement performing her own first aid, is horrible and inhumane.

When the other police officers saw what happened, not one officer had the decency to administer first aid? She actually lay there for 15 minutes? The LAPD is out of control. The police have the nerve to say they protect and serve. Whom? Surely not the citizens of this great city. I have come to the conclusion now that I am terrified of the LAPD. This so-called police officer belongs in state prison with other criminals; he should not have the support of his fellow officers and the LAPD. We need the National Guard now.

TOM TAYLOR

Encino