OH judge says efficiency not good case for traffic cameras
 |
     13 years
|
Ohio judge says efficiency not good case for traffic cameras
DAN SEWELL Associated Press Published: December 19, 2013 3:01PM
CINCINNATI (AP) -- An Ohio judge rebuffed an argument Thursday that using traffic cameras make law enforcement more efficient, stating sharply that violating motorists' rights isn't the American way.
While I am not familiar with the facts behind this ruling, the argument put forward by the city of Elmwood Place was definitely weak if they argued using cameras freed the police force to do other "more important" work. I have to ask, what's more important than enforcing all the laws?
From my past experience sitting in a patrol car many years ago, it was a proven fact that enforcement of seemingly minor traffic laws had a large impact on other crimes. Police officers stopping cars for speeding, illegal right turns, blowing stop signs and traffic lights sent a message to potential burglars, car thieves, robbers and others that the police force was active and being observant. Because there was the very distinct possibility they would be stopped and information gathered they avoided those areas.
While this ruling will be spun many different ways, the point to remember is the ruling wasn't against the cameras, it is how Elmwood Place used them and the fact those caught by the camera had "little chance to challenge the camera-generated citations."
You Make an Excellent Point
From my past experience sitting in a patrol car many years ago, it was a proven fact that enforcement of seemingly minor traffic laws had a large impact on other crimes.
You make an excellent point and I hadn't thought about it from that perspective. Waterloo Region, where I live has about 20 RLCs and I don't have a problem with them. The Region does not play games, such as reducing the Amber time and I do believe that they are using them for the right reasons.
However, anything that puts the police out in front of the public has an impact. Sometimes even a police warning can have huge impact.
When I was about 18, I was in the right lane, with a car on the left at a stop light. I had barely gotten to the stop line and stopped, when the light turned green and I drove forward.
I got pulled over and a cop explained to me that if there had been a pedestrian crossing just in front of the car on the left, I could have hit him, because I hadn't taken the time to wait and check.
Technically, I had not broken the law, but just over 45 years later, I still remember that pull over and what the officer said. I never pull away that quick.
DriveSmart 65, NUVI2555LMT, (NUVI350 is Now Retired)
your right
Ohio judge says efficiency not good case for traffic cameras
DAN SEWELL Associated Press Published: December 19, 2013 3:01PM
CINCINNATI (AP) -- An Ohio judge rebuffed an argument Thursday that using traffic cameras make law enforcement more efficient, stating sharply that violating motorists' rights isn't the American way.
While I am not familiar with the facts behind this ruling, the argument put forward by the city of Elmwood Place was definitely weak if they argued using cameras freed the police force to do other "more important" work. I have to ask, what's more important than enforcing all the laws?
From my past experience sitting in a patrol car many years ago, it was a proven fact that enforcement of seemingly minor traffic laws had a large impact on other crimes. Police officers stopping cars for speeding, illegal right turns, blowing stop signs and traffic lights sent a message to potential burglars, car thieves, robbers and others that the police force was active and being observant. Because there was the very distinct possibility they would be stopped and information gathered they avoided those areas.
While this ruling will be spun many different ways, the point to remember is the ruling wasn't against the cameras, it is how Elmwood Place used them and the fact those caught by the camera had "little chance to challenge the camera-generated citations."
NYC had the policy of ignoring turnstile jumpers, then they decided to change that policy, I don't remember all the particles of the article, but when they started stopping people from doing that they found other things.
Lower court judge
People get a bit too excited when a lower court judge issues these type of rulings. Generally they are binding in no other court and frequently are overturned by appellate courts. When you start to see state supreme courts ruling, take notice.