Poor Looks Is No Reason to Harass
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I was pleased to see that Long Beach City Councilman Evan Anderson Braude is questioning some of the activities of the downtown police task force.
While I appreciate the fact that the officers’ presence downtown may help deter crime, I was appalled by what I read of their activities. Disliking an individual’s appearance is insufficient reason for stopping someone, questioning his or her reasons for being in the area and conducting a personal search.
One officer said he decides to stop “anyone you see who you wouldn’t want your wife, mother or daughter coming in contact with.” Are those reasonable criteria for authorities to stop area citizens?
Police protection is welcome. Police harassment is not.
PENELOPE MOFFET
Long Beach
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