How Not to Pick a Chief

Re “Dozens to Compete for LAPD Leadership,” July 20: After reading the qualifications of the committee members who will make the recommendations for the next Los Angeles police chief I conclude that the successful candidates will have to be liberal, black, Latino or gay, attend four churches each weekend and believe lawyers are a boon to society. The only point of view that is missing is that of the citizen who wants protection from criminals.

If ever a committee was formed to produce a camel, this one has all the ingredients. It’s made up of every group that has a bone to pick with the Police Department. Thank God there are still candidates dedicated enough to want the job. It’s processes like this that give life to secession.

Mike Baker

Long Beach