The Observer Newspapers | Critic of Officer Has Questions to Answer

July 25, 2008

Critic of Officer Has Questions to Answer

To the editor:

I was saddened and disappointed that The Observer chose to publish the letter from Susan Brittle last week that took Herndon police officer Warren Brathwaite to task for "his treatment of boys who skateboard in this community." Officer Brathwaite is an outstanding representative of the Herndon Police Department. He is someone who is known for his friendly demeanor and for his work with the youth of this community.

While I am certain there are many young people who choose to respect the rules when they skateboard, unfortunately there also are some who seem to feel the rules do not apply to them, and that they are entitled to skateboard anywhere they wish—even in the face of signs that prohibit the activity. I see them frequently, and I am sure I am not alone.

Also unfortunately, the parents of some of these young people seem to believe the same thing. Given her comments, I suspect that Ms. Brittle is one of them; one of the parents who continually excuse all kinds of unlawful, disrespectful and occasionally risky behavior on the part of their children because Herndon does not have a skate park.

I am astonished that—rather than question the young people about what behavior on their part might have prompted the manager of the McDonalds to call the police—she says she "suggested they not patronize [the store] if this was the way the store manager would deal with them."

My questions for Ms. Brittle are: Exactly why do you feel it is acceptable for your son and his friends to violate the rules, to behave rudely to others, and to steal? Would you consider this acceptable behavior for all young people, or do your son and his friends get a pass because they have been so cruelly deprived of the recreational facility they want?

My comment to Officer Brathwaite is: Thank you for doing your job.

Carol A. Bruce

Herndon

Editor's note: The writer is a former mayor and eight-term Town Council member.