To the Editor:
A while ago, a city councilor expressed concern as to whether we could be the next jurisdiction to suffer a black riot over "an overzealous (white) cop." Two weeks ago, while walking three goldens and a yellow lab through Founders Park, I saw three (white) police officers, with two hovering over a (black) man on the ground. Apparently they were waiting for paramedics. I found myself wondering why there was no one video taping. From personal observation, if you're committing a crime in this city the police are going to come after you regardless of your skin color.
It reminds me another incident when three police officers (in two cars) arrested a shoplifter at the then Best Buy on Stevenson, and two of the officers where chit-chatting by one cruiser while the other was about to place the shoplifter in a squad car when she bit him on his hand or arm and he slammed her against his cruiser which caused the other two to react. That said, the one officer, from where I stood, on the other side of the street walking my dogs, remained considerably professional and composed.
I think our police officers, our sheriff's deputies, and firefighters should be fully supported, given appropriate raises and funded so that they can maintain their training to continually keep us safe and respond appropriately when there is a structure fire or other emergency.
Ruben Duran
Alexandria