KEEP DOGS OFF BART

The Jan. 23 Times reports the death of a man involved in an incident in
which a fleeing bank robber shot and killed a California Highway Patrolman
who had pulled him over for speeding.

Similarly, drug-sniffing dogs on BART will sooner or later point out a
fugitive who has vowed never to be taken alive. At best he will see the dog
coming and shoot the officer, who will be taken altogether by surprise.

At worst he will grab someone's baby as a hostage, shout that he has a
bomb, and spray the whole car with bullets. Then those injured can sue BART
for encouraging such confrontations.

Anyway, apart from the risks, do we really want to drive down BART
ridership and encourage people high on drugs to take to the highways? If
drug peddlers are causing a disturbance on a train, BART police have every
right to stop them. Otherwise leave passengers alone.

Richard G. Everit, Walnut Creek