POLICE INCIDENTS RECOUNTED

So the president of Houston Police Officers' Union, Hans Marticiuc,
says, "Houston police officers would never jeopardize public safety"
(Viewpoints, Dec. 23, "HPD, court system lacking").

Let me count the ways: A young man suspected of selling drugs is
killed when seven Houston police officers fire into his truck,
endangering the lives of other travelers. The truck driver is shot and
killed, but even after some 14 months, the victim's mother has never
been officially notified by the police of her son's death. No drugs or
weapons were found.

Six Houston police officers, late at night and without benefit of a
search warrant, illegally storm the apartment of a young man, also
supposedly suspected of selling drugs. He is shot nine times in the
back as he tries to escape the assault. The lives of other family
members also asleep in the apartment were placed in jeopardy by the
officers' assault. Again, no drugs were found.

On Dec. 19, a patrol car is stolen when left unsecured by a Houston
police officer. Fortunately, no loss of life resulted. On Dec. 2, a
pregnant woman is shot after a high-speed chase through Houston streets.

A young woman is shot and killed on a Houston street when she reacted
after being hunted down, surrounded and verbally assaulted by five
Houston police officers. Her offense? She had threatened suicide.

A Houston police officer is indicted on civil rights violations after
targeting and unlawfully detaining an individual in order to steal
$30,000 from him.

Houston police officers commit countless civil rights violations based
on "suspected" illegal behavior by persons who are later cleared of
any illegal activity and these incidents often go unreported. In every
instance, the officers endanger the lives of their targets and often
the lives of innocent bystanders, as well.

As we bury and grieve for the innocent victims, tell us again about
our "protectors," Marticiuc.

Arlene Kelly, Houston