Monday, while I was trying to enjoy a quiet day at Aliso Creek Beach,
I noticed two police officers (Beach Patrol) walking from group to
group asking people to look in their coolers. Nobody denied them for
fear of further hassles, but some people actually were caught with
alcoholic beverages in their coolers.

They were immediately required to dump their booze and were given a
citation.

I always thought that a police officer wasn't supposed to bother you
unless your activity was suspicious, but, in this case, everybody on
the beach was suspect.

This was not about protecting or serving the community, but more a
form of extortion to raise money. And to see this happen on the last
summer holiday of the year disgusted me.

I respect and support our police department, but these tactics have to
stop.

Bob Ipema - Laguna Niguel