VINDICATION OF OFFICERS WAS EXPECTED BY SOME RESIDENTS.(FRONT) - The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA)

It was news that seemed to surprise no one.

Told Thursday that a police investigation into the death of Raymond C. Chandler while in custody of officers had resulted in official vindication, none of more than a dozen people interviewed said they expected anything different.

``It's like letting a murderer be his own judge,'' said Curtis Roberson of Norfolk, who said he believes the officers involved should be tried on criminal charges.

``They did what they are supposed to do,'' said Steven O. Edwards, a Pittsburgh native stationed in Norfolk with the Navy. ``If the police just let everyone go when they resist arrest, no one would let themselves be arrested.''

Almost everyone agreed on one thing - that the incident, deservedly or not, has reinforced the stereotype of the aggressive police officer.

``I would be scared if I saw a police car with its lights on behind me'' flashing blue and red, said Rich Othello of Norfolk.

While several people were clearly pro- or anti-police, others said that even if officers used excessive force, they never intended harm to Chandler.

``I don't think the police investigation'' vindicating the officers ``is justified given the autopsy report,'' said Brenda Thompson of Virginia Beach, who works for the Norfolk Health Department.

Noting references in the autopsy to suffocation, she asked: ``How did he suffer that if they didn't use excessive force? It's kind of sad.''

Yet she does not believe this case is representative of police work in general.

She hopes better training will follow ``with more careful selection in the choice of officers.''

Pearl Anthony of Norfolk said police need to use more common sense and have better training. ``This shouldn't have happened,'' she said.

Richard Marshall, a Norfolk plumber, said he was pleased with the police report and placed all blame on Chandler.

``He shouldn't ought to have been fighting police,'' Marshall said. ``Even if they are wrong, you don't fight. Let the judge sort it out.''

Marshall was especially critical of Councilman Paul R. Riddick, who has been vocal in his criticism of police actions. ``He should resign. He should be ashamed. Using this man's death for his politics. He's not interested in healing, just votes.''

Marshall, who is black, said the African-American community needs the police because so many blacks are crime victims. ``Riddick should be helping bring peace,'' he said.

Concerned about a lack of public trust in police, City Manager Regina V.K. Williams met last month with a few dozen community leaders to discuss how to close the gap between officers and the residents they serve.

Reach Steve Stone at 446-2309 or stone@pilotonline.com