Sheriff’s deputies have gone too far

As a citizen of Oak Park, I want to thank you (Lost Hills Sheriff’s and Ventura County Police Department) for your services to our community. I appreciate living in a safe neighborhood and in a place where, normally, seeing a police officer or a police vehicle would confirm that security.

However, it has gotten to the point where police officers are now seen on every other corner, hiding behind signs, lurking in hideaways and scrutinizing every move for a possible drive infraction. It’s gotten to the point where seeing a police officer no longer gives that feeling of being there to “protect and serve” but now gives one paranoia.

No, it’s not safe to drive these community streets any more. Not because of unsafe drivers, but because of overzealous renegade officers who pride themselves at the monthly meetings of consistently writing the most tickets per month and giving tickets for the slightest infraction.

I am arguing the validity of a speeding ticket. I am questioning the absurdity of tickets being written for trivial imperfections. Is anyone a perfect driver 100 percent of the time? Here is the line between perfection and punishment? Have the words “just be a little more careful next time, have a nice day” become obsolete in your department?

I am also questioning the intensity of your presence. Is this level of inundation necessary? Are we local community members that defiant that we need this severity of surveillance? Is this a push for financial resources, or do we have too many officers with nothing else to do? Honestly, it’s borderline harassment. Georgette King Oak Park