Do Traffic Cops Have to Meet a Certain Ticket Quota by the End of the Week?

Decades ago, traffic cops had to meet a certain ticket quota by the end of the week. This practice was widespread, even if it was somewhat controversial within the law enforcement community. However, in the modern era, the legality and prevalence of such quotas have become more nuanced.

Historical Context of Traffic Quotas

Before discussing the current status, it is important to look at the historical context. In the 1990s, when I served as a traffic cop, we absolutely used to have a ‘quota.’ An officer was expected to write at least 20 moving violations or traffic tickets per month. The pressure was significant, with supervisors scrutinizing monthly performance evaluations and handwriting red comments if the target was not met.

Current Legal and Practical Aspects of Traffic Quotas

In the United States, quotas are unlawful by state and federal laws, but on the ground, officers might face unofficial expectations to write certain numbers of tickets. This can vary significantly based on the department and the management style of the supervisors. For instance, in my hometown, with five towns and three counties forming a police compact, there is a do-able goal for traffic tickets and arrests as of June 5th. This goal was announced to be positive in terms of traffic enforcement, but the union has raised concerns, viewing it as more of a babysitting task for drug dealers and irresponsible parents.

Union and Management Perspectives

The union members see these goals as ill-defined and potentially exploitative. They fear that officers might be provided with overly permissive targets, leading to a lack of accountability. Brass, on the other hand, envisions a future where every officer can showcase their unique talents. Under pressure from the local BLM group, this remains a contentious issue.

Challenges and Implications

One of the challenges is that many towns rely heavily on their police departments for revenue. In my hometown, for example, 85% of the budget comes from the police. This creates a situation where citizens may not empathize with the need to pay a traffic ticket as it becomes essentially a tax collector role.

Furthermore, with the increasing focus on community policing and de-escalation, the pressure to write tickets has lessened. Veteran officers often do not pay attention to arbitrary ticket quotas anymore, focusing instead on significant or dangerous violations. Newer officers, however, may be more inclined to meet these goals due to managerial pressures.

Conclusion

To sum up, while quotas for traffic tickets may be unlawful, departments often have informal expectations for their officers. These expectations can vary greatly, from unrealistic targets that cause friction between management and unions to more balanced and acceptable goals. The key lies in transparency and a shared understanding of what constitutes effective traffic enforcement.

As the policing landscape continues to evolve, so too will the expectations for traffic cops. It is crucial for departments to strike a balance between meeting public safety needs and respecting civil rights.

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