Police judgment

Dear Editor:Around 7 p.m. this past Sunday, I entered Pete's Patio on Firestone Boulevard and Rives Avenue. Upon parking in a posted disabled parking place, it was apparent that the vehicle parked in the adjoining disabled space was illegally parked. I politely informed the driver. He responded, "So what." I suggested that he park his vehicle legally or I would report the situation to the police department. The driver defiantly told me to call the police. I entered Pete's Patio and requested a person behind the counter to call 911 and request police assistance concerning an illegally parked vehicle. When the police unit finally arrived 10-15 minutes later, the squad car literally prevented the driver of the illegally parked vehicle from leaving the parking location. The driver of the parked vehicle was warned by the officer and not issued a citation for being blatantly illegally parked. Police officers are sworn to enforce the law. Do they also have limited, judgmental interpretation of those laws? Courts and judges exist for that reason. When there are infractions and/or violations to existing laws, which are not enforced firmly, those laws should be eradicated. Laws, ordinances, regulations, etc. are only as effective as the strength of their enforcement. Civil order is based on civil law. If laws that affect the public are violated, we the public are also violated and put at risk. As a senior citizen and longtime resident of Downey, I expect and demand the enforcement of all existing municipal, county, state and federal laws. Question: why did a Downey police officer, who personally witnessed a violation of a law, not enforce the law? Support your local police. Local police protect and serve the public. But as a citizen I felt personally violated. The officer failed to enforce a law he was sworn to enforce. Art Contessotto Downey

********** Published: December 6, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 34