THE POLICE NEWS
August 17, 2007
As Labor Day approaches we see the law enforcement agency news releases peppering the public with warnings that they are going to be 'out in force' and they'll be gunning for the drunk drivers.
During certain times of the year, there are certain projects that police jump on. Another example is the Click-it or Ticket annual event when they target seat belt violators.
Why are some enforcement campaign's promoted and advertised and some not? August 5-11 was National Stop on Red Week and we didn't hear a peep from any local law enforcement agencies. Why not? Aren't our local police administrators concerned about red light violators?
Many cities have realized already the death and destruction that red light runners cause on a daily basis and have began to combat the problem with red light cameras. I know of one city that parks it's old police cars, that are no longer being used, near red light intersections, visible to drivers. There is no officer in the patrol car, but just the sight of it sitting there brings swift compliance. Seldom does a driver speed up to get throught the red light when that emply police car is seen. One police chief even places a mannequin, dressed in police uniform, inside the crusier, sitting behind the steering wheel. It works.
What's being done in your city to combat these dangerous drivers, who instead of slowing when the amber light goes on, hits the gas pedal from a half block away, hits passing gear, and makes a mad dash for the intersection. Most hit the intersection just about the time the red light goes on.
So, why did cities along the Texas Gulf Coast ignore Stop on Red Week? Simple. There was no money in it for them. It was a voluntary program and the Texas Department of Transportation didn't cough up any cash for the departments to participate, and unless they get cash for cops, they don't participate.
Most police departments won't pay overtime for officer's to work these enforcement programs unless they are reimbursed by someone. They don't want to spend city money to enforce the law inside the city, if it means overtime money they are not reimbursed for. They don't considered the fine income they generate from the increased enforcement. They don't consider the lives saved, the injuries prevented, the property damage prevented, and the effects on insurance rates.
It's really all about cash folks. When you see a local police department or sheriff's office announce in your local paper that they are going to be "cracking down" on this and that or the other, it's most often because they're getting cash for it.
Bottom line. It's the cash.
