Minority Driver Complaints

* Re “A New Drive for Justice,” Nov. 13, about “driving while black”:

On three occasions I’ve been stopped by cops (one LAPD, two L.A. sheriffs) who had the arrogance to more or less admit they’d stopped me for no reason. This occurred when, between the time they’d turned on their lights and ordered me to pull over and I was able to do so, they had received a legitimate call and sped off, saying they didn’t have time to (expletive deleted) with me.

Also, when pulled over, they do not ask for permission to search your vehicle but just take your keys and do so. Afterward you may find small items like pens and screwdrivers missing. Ironically and surprisingly, my most positive encounters have been with the Beverly Hills Police Department.

RICK MITCHELL

Los Angeles

*

After reading the article about blacks being stopped by the police just because of their color, I was reminded of an episode that happened to my blue-eyed, blond son about 14 years ago. He was a project manager, supervising rehab houses in the Watts area. One day as he was leaving his job site, he was stopped by the police near the Watts Towers--for no other reason than he was a white male in a black neighborhood.

He later figured out the police thought that he could have been a drug dealer. So see, it works both ways.

I’m just glad the police were doing their duty--checking out suspicious people, no matter what their color might be.

PATRICIA WILDE

Lompoc

*

I am white and I believe that race plays a factor in stopping motorists. After living on Pacific Coast Highway for many years, it is clear that if you are Mexican and/or have an old car, your chances for being pulled over seem to skyrocket.

LEE OLSON

Malibu