N.Y. COPS' ACTIONS SHOULD DISGUST ALL

I am writing regarding the DeWayne Wickham column you published on June 8,
"New York cops make mistake, and woman dies."

The drug-warring NYPD officers playing soldier who killed Alberta Spruill
should disgust all right-thinking Americans. Were I to travel to New York
City, enter the building where Spruill lived, kick her door in and frighten
her sufficiently to lead to a fatal heart attack, I would be in jail on
Rikers Island, awaiting trial on felony homicide charges with a likely
final destination of death row.

In contrast, the police officers in question have simply been reassigned
and "procedures are being reviewed."

My wife is a New York City native, and my opinion of the city and its
residents is generally very above average. I was like many Americans who,
following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, would have been proud to
wear an NYPD ballcap.

Were I to own one today, I would burn it in shame.

Stephen Heath

Clearwater, Fla.