Men shot dead
Re “How Beck, panel split on Ford,” June 11, and “Police faulted in shooting of Ford,” June 10
The numbers speak louder than words. The Times’ data indicate that Los Angeles police officers have killed 243 people over the last 15 years; that averages to more than 16 killings per year.
These killings are happening all over the country. That’s not a random happenstance. It is more than a coincidence, and indicates that we are faced with a very serious systemic problem throughout the country. It demands significant changes.
As a retired problem-solver for Air Force space programs, the first place I would consider a major change would be in the criteria and practice of selecting candidates for our police forces. The power that comes with the uniform is so likely to attract those with the wrong psychological makeup.
It only takes a few bad apples to bring down a police department.
George Epstein, Los Angeles