Indignity of Being Stopped by Police

Re “Would You Stop This Man?” Voices, Aug. 9: Several years ago, on a trip to Hawaii, I had a very similar experience to that of Antonio Olivas. I got off the plane in Honolulu and was immediately taken to the side by two very scary-looking, large individuals. They, after pulling me to the side, identified themselves as officers of the DEA. I immediately calmed down at that point, because I knew that I had nothing to hide or fear.

They told me that I looked Colombian (I have brown skin, dark hair, dark mustache) and that they were looking for a Colombian bringing in drugs. I responded, “Officers, I have always been against drugs, I have always supported my police and you have my permission without any warrants to search me and my luggage and if I can offer my assistance further please don’t hesitate to ask.” The officers dropped their guard, became more friendly and told me that I could go. I thanked them for doing their job and defending our country. I did not feel discriminated against because my skin is brown.

LELAND S. SHAPIRO

Los Angeles

Reading Olivas’ essay brought back memories of my own experiences being stopped by police some 25 years ago. I was not sporting any tattoos, braided hair or gang attire. I was a skinny 15-year-old boy walking in his own neighborhood. I was walking to work.

I was stopped two more times, once while driving home from work and another just coming out of my garage. I did not physically look out of place in my community. I am a Mexican American and I was living in a Mexican American community.

I am the most law-abiding person I know. I’ve tried to understand the situation from a police officer’s perspective, but the experience was humiliating. I remember leaning against my car while the officers searched my pockets with my mother looking on from the porch. And when it was over, just like Olivas I received no apology, just a warning to keep in line.

It is a personal violation of dignity to be stopped by the police, to be ordered about by some stranger, to have someone’s hand upon you, checking through your pockets and wallet for no reason except suspicion.

Regardless of how professional those officers were, they made a mistake. And when you make a mistake, the professional thing to do is to apologize.

DANIEL V. MONTOYA

Alhambra

Olivas claims the only reason he was detained by South Pasadena police is that he is Latino. After seeing his picture, I strongly suspect that the real reason he was stopped is that he looks like a thug. I personally feel it should be part of the cops’ job to stop and question guys who look like thugs. Olivas is free to go around looking like that if he chooses, but he can’t realistically expect to always be treated like Mr. Clean.

The headline said, “Would You Stop This Man?” My answer is, “You bet I would.”

DAVID OEHL

San Diego