Williams and LAPD Attitudes

Thank you for recognizing that Willie L. Williams restored the lost faith in the Los Angeles Police Department. Your May 18 editorial did not go far enough, though. A calm, nonconfrontational gentleman who tried to bring all sides together, Williams took office in an atmosphere in which his immediate predecessor delighted in inflaming many groups with his many insensitive pronouncements.

So, what was wrong with Williams? As an outsider, he was not a member of the good old boys club. I am also convinced that his being black had a lot to do with the non-renewal. Now Mayor Richard Riordan gets exactly what he wanted: to appoint his own chief; something he could not do if Williams had remained.

STUART LUBIN

Los Angeles

* Scott Harris’ column, “A Slow Change in Attitudes for the LAPD” (May 15), discredits the current credible attitudes and procedures for the West Los Angeles Community Police Station. That story is one of progress and pride.

As an active member of the WLACPS Community-Police Advisory Board, I find present values quite different from those of the ‘80s. Officers and brass are working together in harmony to achieve and maintain the high standards of their profession. The work environment is confidently positive, healthy and clanless. An intuitive sense of situational awareness is apparent; no “man against woman” syndrome or winking at harassment offenses are evident.

The area commanding officer, Capt. Mark Leap, has a gifted hand on the tiller of skillful and creative leadership that imparts an attitude of fairness, opportunity, concern and determination.

The community-based policing policy plan has been energetically welcomed and supported by the WLA community at large.

LEONARD H. McROSKEY

Los Angeles