Police union's assertion shocking
Last Thursday's front page story was outrageous. The president of Local 673 International Brotherhood of Police Officers asserted that the gang problem in Chattanooga is somehow connected to the benefits police officers receive.
It is not enough that taxpayers are already paying police officers to do their jobs, which includes taking care of gang violence. He says if they don't get better benefits, it will "hinder [their] performance."
How is it tougher for a police officer to do his job because he might get a 401(k) plan instead of a pension, or have to go on Medicare at age 65, like most other Americans?
Some people buy the propaganda that police officers are better than your average citizen. I do not.
LARRY MENDIZABAL, Ooltewah
Several agencies use unmarked cars
I just read the Times Free Press story (March 30) on the use of unmarked police cars for routine traffic stops.
Where the Chattanooga Police Department may have a policy concerning the use of unmarked cars in routine traffic stops, there are other agencies operating in Chattanooga that have no such policies.
Chattanooga Housing Authority police officers have been using unmarked cars during routine traffic stops for well over eight years, both in and outside public housing units.
In May 2010, I personally encountered such a stop after being pulled over on a public road by a Chattanooga Housing Authority police officer in a car with no markings. The car was a plain, solid white compact with nothing more than flashing blue lights. The officer wore unremarkable black top and khaki pants.
I followed all the advice given by members of the police agencies mentioned to no avail. I was arrested and held for over 13 hours anyway.
Unless all agencies operating in Chattanooga and across the nation can come to some uniform code of agreement regarding the use of unmarked cars during routine traffic stops, citizens will remain at risk of being robbed, raped or killed by criminals impersonating a cop.
BRENDA WASHINGTON
Cartoonist leaves out his 'team'
Mr. Bennett's cartoon portraying the "teams" for the 2012 Primary was really cute. But he failed to mention his team for the 2012 "playoff." His team is owned by George Soros, coached by Richard Trumka and sponsored by General Electric. And we hear his cheer squad will be led by Michael Moore. Oh, and don't forget the "water boys" at MSNBC. I also hear that a fierce competitor will be in the race: The American Patriots, backed by the United States Constitution. Game on, Mr. Bennett.
BEVERLY ALLSUP, Cleveland, Tenn.