LambChop
Former Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2008
- Messages
- 21,160
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Thoughtful post - thank you! It has been seen in many communities when the money goes directly back into the PD budget it becomes a profit center.
When you remove the profit motive, the ticketing and fines go down. Don't get me started on seizing assets from those not convicted of anything. Canada has issued warning to citizens travelling in the US not to carry any large sums. IMHO, we need to remove the profit motive completely from every police force, because there will always be a few bad actors who will take advantage if they can.
I have never seen this reported other than people complaining because they keep getting tickets for going way over the speed limit. If this is true it should have been reported to Federal authorities. There is no profit collected from traffic violations given to police officers and any money an officer would take from a driver is illegal. Not sure why, with all the cameras today, someone would give an officer money as it would look like a bribe. If this should happen to anyone it would need to be reported.
Many people are not aware that in most locations PD can scan your license plate and know immediately that your car is not registered. So what you may view as an authorized reason for stopping you is actually quite legal. Modern technology is here to stay and whether we like it or not, do not break the law or you will be stopped.
Not sure what you are saying about the money going back to police departments. I read years ago people complained that this was their belief and the article said the court system collects the money which goes into whatever county/city/state fund. Police are paid by the city/county/state by way of a budget. That budget is based on income from such sources as property taxes, licenses, etc. If you don't register your car that is a state issue. If you don't have a license, register your car, or have car insurance that now becomes a state issue and an insurance issue. Insurance companies have a big stake in whether you carry insurance or not. And that pressure from big business filters down eventually onto local PD's. It is the law. They are required to do it and that is what they are paid for.
jmo