Gang Shooting Worries Officer

I was concerned when I read about a recent gang shooting in Newbury Park.

I am a law enforcement officer in a Los Angeles County city that has a large gang problem. As a result, I become very concerned when I read and hear that our community leaders and law enforcement officials do not recognize that this community has a gang problem. If community leaders and law enforcement officials don’t acknowledge that a problem exists, then when they do--and eventually they will--it will be too late.

I hope that this gang-related shooting raised the consciousness of the community so that we may finally admit that we too have a gang problem. Maybe then our community leaders and law enforcement will work with the community to correct this growing problem. Remember, we don’t want our community to turn into battlegrounds like those of Los Angeles County. Do we?

MICHAEL SEAN MARKEY

Newbury Park