LOS ANGELES POLICE SCANDAL

Hello to all the good citizens out there who are "shocked! shocked!" at the
wretched police excess at the LAPD Rampart Division: Shawn Hubler's Feb. 17
column got it right. You are reaping what you sowed, but as long as it's all
happening to some powerless, poor Hispanic/black other guy, it'll all be
swept under the rug and any reforms will be strictly cosmetic.

A critical examination, reevaluation and reform of our entire system of
crime and punishment will only occur when the CRASH teams are multiplied by
hundreds and turned loose upon the citizens of Santa Monica, Beverly Hills,
Encino, Manhattan Beach and other rich, white enclaves. When that happens,
you'll have profound reform in an eye blink.

ANN CALHOUN, Los Osos

Chief Bernard Parks blames LAPD problems on inadequate supervision. It seems
that he neglected to read his job description when he assumed his present
position. The doctrine of total responsibility at the top levels of command
that this country applied in post-World War II trials should perhaps be
exercised here and Parks should be held responsible for the actions of his
subordinates.

ANDREW WORTMAN, Santa Monica