Letter: Time to end affirmative action
The Islip branch of the NAACP criticized the lack of black cops among new police recruits sworn in by the Suffolk County Police Department. (Dec. 26, 2011) Credit: James Carbone
Regarding "Of 60 new police recruits, 0 black" [News, Dec. 31], I am so sick and tired of the attitude that we must hire a certain race or gender to balance our police force. I think a vast majority of Suffolk County residents (regardless of race, religion or gender) would agree.
It is time to hire the best and brightest. That should be the only criterion. If we need 60 police officers, we should take the 60 highest qualified individuals to protect us. The highest qualified should be determined by tests that the Suffolk County Police Department has developed over the years.
I, for one, don't want the testing modified to help anyone. I don't want someone's uncle on the force helping their niece or nephew obtain a position. I don't want someone being hired because of their race, religion or gender. An individual carrying a gun and protecting me and my family should be the best and the brightest Suffolk County has to offer.
Tara Joy Schroff, Nesconset
