Now, I know this is a bit of a left-field topic, given what we normally discuss here, but when I – and certainly you’ve felt the same way – get pulled over by the police for every seemingly minor offense, I’m left with one question… Do cops have quotas that they have to fulfill at all costs? Sometimes, it does feel like the police are stopping and searching random motorists and cars just to fill some arbitrary quota set by the police department. But, the truth is a bit murkier.
To be clear for those who’ve heard about this for the first time – in law enforcement, and we’ll focus more on the traffic and driving-related side of policing, quotas refer to a specific number of citations or traffic stops that cops are expected to achieve within a specific period, normally within a month. These encompass traffic-related policing, such as issuing tickets for speeding, motorists running red lights, or other traffic violations, where cops have to fulfill this quota.
They could also include arrests for motorists driving under the influence (DUI), failure to keep your insurance paperwork in good order, and other vehicular-related offenses. Unsurprisingly, many of you who get pulled over by the cops may realistically think that they have a quota to fulfill and that the police are just “out to get you” to meet their bottom line. While this perception does exist, here’s everything you need to know about whether or not cops have quotas:
1) Do Police Departments Actually Set Quotas?
First off, to clarify, not all police departments implement quotas, and at the end of the day, a good police officer will always prioritize safety concerns and have genuine regard for people, rather than numbers. Of course, finding that fine line and being able to understand all the distinctions between which PD does or doesn’t implement quotas can be tough. Besides that, there are a lot of political and ethical debates about whether or not a quota for cops is a good idea.
Some law enforcement agencies argue that by putting a quota, they justify this as a means to make sure cops are more proactive in patrolling and engaging with the community. They also argue that these quotas help maintain a level of uniformity and accountability when it comes to policing, and ensuring that traffic laws are enforced consistently and regularly. As you can imagine, most regular folks like you and me could argue that it can lead to some degree of unfairness.
2) How These Quotas Affect Motorists & Road Users
While there are a ton of examples that I could pull out, here are just some examples of how a quota for cops can impact regular motorists like you and me, typically for the worse:
- Increased likelihood for traffic stops – You might notice that there is an uptick in traffic stops, especially at the end of the month, when these quotas are reviewed by the PD, and cops are keen to meet those quotas. This does lead to situations where it feels like you’re targeted for very minor infractions that might otherwise regularly get overlooked.
- Greater focus on easily quantifiable offenses – Speaking of, some cops may prioritize infractions that are more easily observed and would be ticketed easily – i.e. speeding, parking illegally, not stopping at a stop sign, etc. – instead of focusing on serious driving offenses that require more investigation. The latter takes time, which might make fulfilling those quotas harder.
- Financial burden on motorists – Over-enforcement of these quotas can lead to situations where cops are unnecessarily putting a greater financial burden on regular motorists. This is primarily due to an increase in the number of fines issued, even for minor infractions. Over time, you will have to deal with stacking fines, court fees, and even increased insurance premiums. For folks in lower income brackets, this can be especially punishing, and might even put you in debt.
- Impact on driver behavior and road safety – Sure, the perceived threat of being stopped for a minor infraction might force more motorists to drive way more cautiously. However, this could have the unintended side effect of causing more stress for regular motorists, which might even lead folks like you and me to engage in riskier driving behavior, just to avoid a fine.
3) What Can You Do About Law Enforcement Quotas?
While I believe that these arbitrary quotas set by law enforcement are generally a bad idea, you can do something about it. Here are some pretty handy tips for you, if you’re (understandably) worried about over-policing:
Understanding Your Rights During Traffic Stops
Make sure you know your rights during a traffic stop, which can help you handle the situation effectively, and calmly, and take back control. For example, remember that you have the right to remain silent and that you don’t have to consent to a vehicle search without probable cause.
Moreover, it’s always a good idea to keep all the necessary documents – including your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance – within your car. Also, be sure that it can be easily accessible, which does help to expedite the process and reduce the risk of further escalation.
Staying Informed About Local Enforcement Policies
Okay, so this might be a bit hard if you regularly stay out of the loop of the local news, but it’s helpful to stay informed about what your local police department or law enforcement agency is planning to do, especially on whether the cops intend to focus on a specific infraction.
For example, are the cops cracking down on overly loud, modified exhausts in your area? Well, then it’s time to do something about that. Doing that allows you to understand which specific violations are excessively targeted, helping you to avoid unnecessary stops and citations.
Advocating For Fair Enforcement And Policing
This is more of a long-term strategy, but motorists and community members have the right to advocate with local governments and municipalities for fairer traffic enforcement. This is all for the sake of prioritizing public safety over quotas for cops and revenue generation.
Plus, you have the right to advocate for more transparent traffic stop data reporting, on top of more community-focused policing initiatives. If it were me, I’d also voice my displeasure at any quota-based policing, so be sure to use your collective voices to engage with policymakers.