Police helicopters are just serving the public

“Leaders of San Diego’s most diverse areas say lingering police choppers create war zone atmosphere” (Jan. 19): Law enforcement helicopters linger over any one area for one specific reason: to help officers or local residents on the ground. They use loud speakers to notify those on the ground of missing people or, perhaps, warn them of a dangerous person in the area. They use searchlights to help officers on the ground find a hiding suspect or to keep a suspect in sight during a chase.

If City Council members think the presence of police copters creates a “war zone” atmosphere, how does the presence of police cars not create that same atmosphere? Do these council members seriously think short-term noise from a copter, helping those on the ground keep our communities safe, justifies not having them? We need new council members.

Albert Bates 4S Ranch

Trauma? Bothered by noise? War zone? Are you kidding me? I became so angry while reading the comments from City Councilmembers Sean Elo-Rivera and Monica Montgomery Steppe regarding the police helicopters over certain San

Diego neighborhoods. Again, bringing up race (diversity) as part of their complaints. Seriously?

Police respond to crime, accidents, fire, etc. If those crimes, accidents and fires happen in my neighborhood, I’m comforted to see and hear the police response knowing they are there to protect the public. Folks really need to get over themselves and get real. If the crime is happening in your neighborhood, let law enforcement do their job without your complaints. Be thankful for their presence and grateful for their protection.

Kathy Powell Allied Gardens