PUBLIC FORUM.

Bar-arm technique

Re ``LAPD violence; Same old story?'' (Nov. 10):

The ``punching'' in this current incident of ``police brutality'' by the Los Angeles Police Department and the ``whacking by baton'' in the Rodney King incident have as their genesis a time when the police commissioners outlawed the bar-arm control -- more than 20 years ago. Since the time of that ill-conceived decision, there has been no effective means of suspect control provided to the Los Angeles police officer through training.

The bar arm was simple and effective. I used the bar-arm control countless times during my police career, with no injury to the suspect or me. Now the LAPD officers have to face their suspects and fight and parry and struggle in order to follow training policy. These silly control and ``distraction'' techniques are not only totally ineffective, but continue to expose our police officers to public criticism for the ugly perceptions that result from their use.

-- Stephen Downing 

Deputy chief, LAPD (ret).

Palm Desert

Not a controlled event

Thanks to the city leadership and in particular the Police Commission, pandering to the special interests and vocal critics, the officers are now placed in an impossible role. To all those critics who are ``shocked'' to see actual physical force -- and who, I suspect, have never been toe to toe with anyone, let alone close with or smelled a combative person's bad breath and sweat -- I say a fight is not a controlled event in which each method of control is pre-planned and counted. This in no way implies that once control is obtained, punishment should apply.

You critics who are so concerned that the police are ``warriors'' should thank God -- or, being politically correct, thank whatever or whomever you thank -- for the fact that they are out there and willing to go close with the villains of the world.

-- Cliff Hodge

Captain, LAPD (ret.)

Westlake Village

Up to you

Re ``U.S. Jews at home in politics'' (Nov. 13):

To: Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein and to Reps. Howard Berman, Brad Sherman and others: So now you have some real power in both houses of Congress. What are you, with that in mind, going to do about the holocaust in Darfur?

If you don't do anything, you don't deserve the power you have, and you don't deserve to be in government.

-- R.J. Johnson

North Hollywood

Incredible payout

Re ``City to pay $2.7 million for prank'' (Nov. 9):

Fireman Tennie Pierce, who ate two spoons of dog food when a prank was pulled on him after he boasted ``feed the dog'' (referring to himself), should be ashamed for accepting $2.7 million of our taxpayer's money.

If he had any compassion, he would donate the money to the families of the firefighters lost in the Esperanza Fire. Communities are having fundraisers to help out these families out while this selfish guy sits back and enjoys retirement at our expense.

-- Helena Manahan

Granada Hills

Outlandish settlement

Re ``City to pay $2.7 million for prank'' (Nov. 9):

With the extensive publicity firefighters receive for their unbridled courage in fighting massive disasters, it's difficult to accept the reality of their $2.7 million ``dog food'' prank.

The City Council's approval of this outlandish settlement for a firehouse prank is a slap in the face to taxpayers.

-- Barbara Denney

Granada Hills

Her own fault

Re ``Female firefighter alleges harassment'' (Nov. 11):

Los Angeles Fire Capt. Alicia Mathis would not have these types of problems if she and other women stopped trying to be men.

-- Elizabeth Potter

Valencia