In answer to Martin Conley’s letter, published Nov. 2, the truth is not that the Lewiston police officers had to pursue the car at rates of high speed. The young man was not speeding until he was being chased.

I am far from an ignorant person, having a history of criminal justice classes and also having worked in the past for a police department. There are many good men and women officers, yet there are many who enjoy the speed, and by pursuing this young man, the police department put more civilians at risk.

I could not believe reading the newspaper the following week and seeing another high-speed chase had happened in Auburn that also ended up in a telephone pole.

Anyone with any knowledge knows that the police department will cover for the others. Police officers need to be aware that civilians want to be protected, but they also want the police officers to show some restraint and attempt to do whatever needs to be done to prevent that type of accident from happening, such as road blocks or surveillance until spike mats could be put out.

I have statistics that show I am far from the only one with these feelings, and maybe we need to stand up against the establishment and stop any high-speed chases.

Marilyn Aston, Litchfield

Copy the Story Link