Letters: Appreciate efforts of those who are in law enforcement

I have read Margaret Baker's and Lenda Beck's recent letters about police officer misbehavior and feel compelled to respond.

Most of us want "law and order" as long as it doesn't impact or inhibit our own lifestyles. It's the "other-guy syndrome." Whenever the law intrudes on our own lives, it's harassment. We all have people we like or love among our family and friends who are prone to walk on the wild side. We aren't really surprised when they run afoul of the law, but we hope they will be treated differently, i.e. more leniently.

It isn't easy to become a law enforcement officer. There are background checks, job history reviews, credit checks, physical tests, psychological tests and interviews before being hired. Those who "slide by" are usually weeded out by their peers or supervisors rather quickly. It takes a certain type of individual to be in law enforcement. Should an officer be dishonest, overly aggressive or just inappropriate, it reflects on the entire department. Due to all of these things, I believe that "rogue officers" are relatively rare and there are procedures in place to report them.

It is most important to remember that these officers are part of our community. They have families, bills, marital problems, children, and pay taxes just as we do. Are they infallible? No, but they do tough jobs with little positive feedback. In an area that has more than its share of sex offenders, drunk drivers, spousal and child abusers, I appreciate their efforts.

Shirley Borrego

Crescent City