The real story

To the Editor:

Yesterday's letter to the editor ("Worthless Security," DP, 2/6/06) failed to acknowledge some important facts surrounding the incident that occurred at McDonald's on Feb. 1.

First, Mr. Tal's attempt to use this particular case to illustrate alleged policing deficiencies is without merit.

On the evening in question, Penn Police officers responded to a radio call at the above location and acted on information received from the complainant, who was not Mr. Tal. Officers apprehended and arrested the perpetrator, who had fled the area on foot.

The responding police officers recovered the knife and after, checking the vicinity, took the suspect into custody at 40th and Locust streets, where he was positively identified by the complainant. The Penn Police response was both professional and effective.

It's also important to note that the perpetrator in this case was panhandling inside the restaurant; a disruptive and sometimes aggressive crime that undermines security and, as we saw in this case, can lead to more serious felony crimes.

Since Jan. 3, Penn Police have made more than 80 arrests for a variety of crimes-including panhandling. We ask that students help us in this effort by not giving anything to or otherwise engaging panhandlers, which only encourages this negative behavior.

It will take everyone's cooperation to reduce crime in our area: students, community members and business owners alike. We need you to become our partners in eradicating the criminal aspect and misinformation surrounding crime-fighting initiatives in our open, urban environment.

Mark Dorsey

The author is the chief of the Penn Police Department

Disgusting banner

To the Editor:

I just wanted to register my disgust at a banner displayed by Penn sports fans at the La Salle basketball game.

The banner read "300 -- Dunphy wins and Steve Smith's SAT scores."

It so hypocritical for students who are so liberal in values to take a shot at a hard working African-American male.

Maybe the Penn students found it amusing, but I found it disgusting.

Gene Murphy

Philadelphia resident

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.