LAPD Work Schedules

* After reading the one-sided article (“Parks Must Retain Compressed Work Schedule,” Sept. 14) by Shawn Fairman, an officer assigned to the LAPD’s Van Nuys Division, I could not sit idly by and let him bamboozle the public with his outlandish statements on why the new chief, Bernard Parks, should retain the compressed work schedule.

Fairman reasons that decisions must be made on behalf of the officers, also arguing that the upper echelons of the department are out of touch with what goes on in the lower. He talks as if the chief and managers never served as officers, just were recruited and assigned to management. He pushes the three 12-hour shifts per week agenda by saying that the future of the LAPD is on the shoulders of the new chief and department managers--not on the rank and file.

It does not appear that the officers are generally concerned about their efficiency or ability to work effectively on the job, but more about working three days a week, which also has the effect of thinning the ranks of officers available for duty.

Putting the chief on the spot by saying that Parks has the power to keep the 3/12 compressed work schedule or destroy it is an irresponsible statement. It appears that all Fairman is concerned with is the lifestyle of the Police Department, its benefits, paid vacations and retirement after 20 years of duty, all paid for by the taxpayers.

If Fairman is unhappy with the eight-hour day, he can quit the force and get another job.

VICTOR ANNIGAN

Glendale

* [I] urge Chief Parks to continue to use common sense on scheduling to ensure the readiness and effectiveness of officers. The latest research on big-rig drivers has found danger in the 10- to 12-hour days they work; consider how much more it matters to have an armed officer well rested. How the long hours of the compressed work schedule reduce sick time, as claimed by Fairman, needs explanation since it goes contrary to common sense.

The work of a sworn police officer paid by the taxpayer is not in the same category with work in ordinary profit-making companies / industries, and compensation and benefits reflect this now. To use union clout to demand the compressed work schedule, indeed threaten dire consequences if they do not get it, is out of line.

LOUISE BIANCO

Tarzana