POLICING PROBLEMS IN BAKERSFIELD CONTINUE

Your article on Police Chief Steve Brummer's announced retirement
failed to mention some very dire circumstances that have occurred
during his tenure.

This includes the sharp increase of teenage violent crimes; the high
level of gang activity throughout the city; the increase in drug use
and sales, especially among preteens and teenagers; the designation of
Bakersfield as one of the methamphetamine capitals in the valley.

Other serious concerns are: the deterioration of many southwest
neighborhoods because of crime and drug infiltration; the building of
a fence around West High to keep out organized drug activity; the
failure to adopt more successful law enforcement programs and maintain
Neighborhood Watch programs; the maintaining of an arrogant attitude
of law enforcement; the introduction of home invasions and carjacking
in the community.

When I came to Bakersfield in 1982, the city was known as a nice,
safe, family community to live in. That situation is totally reversed
today. Thank God council members like Jacquie Sullivan and
congressional representatives like Bill Thomas have encouraged the DEA
to open an office locally.

Roger Vaughn
Bakersfield