ROOT OF POLICY PROBLEM

I must express my outrage at the shooting death of Jose Colon ["Cop Kills
Bellport Man," April 21]. What a tragedy that any young person would be
killed by law enforcement over marijuana possession.

How far are we willing to take this senseless zero-tolerance policy? When
specially-trained, elite police forces with support helicopters are sent
into residential neighborhoods to recover a pound of pot, we've gone way
too far.

The accidental nature of this incident as it has been reported - an
officer's tripping over a tree root - is a perfect illustration of the
policy run riot. We can strive for the perfect, most safety-conscious law
enforcement officer, yet sooner or later someone will trip over a tree
root. And if automatic weapons are used routinely for pot raids in
residential areas, accused criminals and bystanders alike are going to be
killed.

We have a law-enforcement policy that is more dangerous than the crime it
is intended to address. It's up to New York State voters and legislators to
do everything in their power to remedy this outrageous situation. Why let
the expensive and destructive "War on Drugs" ruin more lives?

Alexandra Meyerson

Bayside