Lawmakers from multiple states are pushing for reform to put an end to the controversial practice of law enforcement officers meeting ticket quotas for revenue. Reports indicate that some communities depend heavily on fines and fees as a source of local income, making them notorious speed traps.
The National Motorists Association says that “a speed trap exists wherever traffic enforcement is focused on extracting revenue from drivers instead of improving safety.”
In a bid to address rising worries regarding forced ticket quotas, 20 states have enacted laws to discourage such practices. In 2022, Alabama and Virginia joined the list of US states who have added laws to address concerns for departments or supervisors who compel police into meeting citation-related goals.
New York
New York is taking a stand against unethical ticket quotas, with legislation aimed at eliminating the potential abuses associated. This bill will protect police officers from repercussions of not meeting their assigned quota.
A recent report from Governing magazine has revealed a significant trend in New York: 34 localities are relying on fines and forfeitures for at least 10% of their general fund revenue. Of those, 12 receive more than 20%, with an alarming five collecting over 30%.
Sen. Michael Gianaris of Queens has proposed legislation that would make violations of quotas punishable as a Class A misdemeanor—potentially resulting in jail time up to one year for offenders. The bill is seen by many as an effort to strengthen the consequences associated with such misconduct and take measures towards curbing any potential illegal activities surrounding quota implementation in New York State.
“Tickets, summons, traffic citations and arrests should be utilized by a police officer when he or she feels that the circumstances are appropriate, rather than in order to satisfy arbitrary quota requirements,” Gianaris wrote in the bill memo. “To establish a quota for an officer to meet a certain number of summonses or arrests is a disservice to his or her trained and professional judgment, and unfair to those who receive such citations.”
The bill, S169, is currently in the Senate Labor Committee.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Senate has taken steps to ensure fairness in city and town revenue by introducing legislation that places limits on how much can be generated through traffic fines.
According to Governing magazine, an astonishing 55 localities generate more than 10% from these sources – with as many as 29 collecting over 30%. The most extreme case being 14 places that rely upon penalties for greater than half their financial needs.
Sen. Nathan Dahm is advocating for the protection of Oklahoma’s law enforcement officers through a bill to outlaw quotas on ticketing and arrests, which would curtail agencies from forcing personnel evaluation or discipline based solely off their citation records.
Under the bill, justices and judges would also fall under the protective shield of meeting traffic citation quotas.
In addition, the legislation promises to hold anyone found in violation accountable. Those found to be participating in such practices would be faced with removal from their position regardless of whether they are an elected or non-elected official.
“At the end of each month, and especially nearing the end of the year, many Oklahomans are concerned about receiving a traffic ticket due to an arbitrary ‘quota’ that traffic officers are forced to meet,” said Dahm in a recent news release. “This bill will ensure that law enforcement officers are free to protect and serve our communities instead of being pushed to bolster revenue.”
Bill SB82 is currently in the Senate Public Safety Committee.
Source: Land Line
