Equal Justice

* The past 2 1/2 years have presented a very sorry spectacle of this country to the world. Los Angeles has played a starring role, with bit parts for other areas of Southern California. I am referring to events that began with the arrest and beating of Rodney King, the riots of April, 1992, leading to the latest unflattering episode of the trial and almost total acquittal of Damian Williams and Henry Watson for one of the most vicious and violent series of attacks on other human beings at Florence and Normandie. If not for the very heroic actions of four good Samaritans who succeeded in getting prompt medical help for Reginald Denny, the charges in this case would have been murder in addition to the other charges. I speak of four truly courageous persons, Bobby Green, Terri Barnett, Titus Murphy and Lei Yuille.

As one who has been involved in attempting to stem the tide of gang activity, random violence and other forms of criminal activity as a law enforcement officer for over 40 years, I am deeply disturbed and offended. I believe too many of my fellow citizens have lost a sense of equal justice for all.

Those of us who are involved in the criminal justice system know that no matter how objectionable or heinous the crime, there are those who confer celebrity status on the perpetrators. The media appeared to provide far more coverage of these supporters and spokespersons for the defendants than of the prosecutors and the victims.

As a member of the African-American community I am fearful that the message that comes from all of this is that we are more tolerant and accepting of crime and violence in our community. I have heard very few voices of reason in our community who send a very strong, clear and unmistakable message that gangs, drugs, violence and criminality are not acceptable. We must reject those who would confer some sort of leadership status on gangs.

Many have lost faith in our criminal justice system. We can’t afford, however, to stand around and wring our hands. We as citizens have a responsibility for seeing that it is better. We can do this by our involvement in the electoral process and working to see that those in the criminal justice system serve us more effectively.

JESSE A. BREWER

Assistant Police Chief, Retired

Los Angeles