HOLD POLICE ACCOUNTABLE

I am incensed to find, yet again, that the Santa Ana police have chosen to
ignore the voters of this state about our stance on marijuana. The burglary
of the home of Marvin Chavez and a continuing witch-hunt on pot smokers
challenges our democracy. I don't smoke pot, but I don't care who does, for
medicinal purposes or otherwise ["Santa Ana police disregard the law," Sept.
9].

If Chavez does win a lawsuit against the city, as he should, who will pay
for it? We will. The taxpayers end up paying for police officers when they
abuse their power. It's time to hold our public servants personally
responsible for breaking the laws they are sworn to uphold.

Whoever sent down the order to raid Chavez's home should lose his job or
have his wages attached to pay for legal fees and lawsuits. Our courts,
jails and prisons are already clogged, at the cost of millions, with petty,
non-violent offenders, and the Santa Ana police want to burden them with
more? It's time they were held accountable.