Deputy’s Sentence

Nogales, Ariz., Deputy Sheriff Francisco Gabriel Haro was given 11 1/2 years for carrying cocaine across the U.S.-Mexico border. The Times article (“U.S. Crackdown on Corrupt Offices at Border Widens,” Nov. 10) states that this sentence was “an extremely harsh punishment for a relatively small, first-time offense.”

I disagree with that statement. I firmly believe that law enforcement officers who are guilty of any crime should receive two or three times the normal sentence. Until such time as citizens can regain faith in our legal system and in law enforcement, there is little hope for justice and freedom from crime. Stiff sentences for law enforcement criminals are a major way to help regain this faith.

RICHARD KINZ

Atascadero