If you drive in the metro area, you need to read this DN piece

[Bozita]

Don't miss the interactive map.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081117/METRO/811170333

Monday, November 17, 2008
Speed trap: Drivers beware
Traffic fines help fill city coffers
Officials increasingly target drivers to bolster budgets
George Hunter / The Detroit News


Grim economic conditions are forcing some communities to rely on traffic cops to increase revenue by writing more tickets, police and elected officials say.

"When I first started in this job 30 years ago, police work was never about revenue enhancement," Utica Police Chief Michael Reaves said. "But if you're a chief now, you have to look at whether your department produces revenues. That's just the reality nowadays."

A Detroit News analysis of court and police records from 2002-07 shows many Metro Detroit police departments have drastically increased the number of moving violations issued in what some people say is an effort to offset budget shortfalls caused by the sluggish economy.

Michigan has cut revenue sharing to communities by $3 billion over the past six budget years, a blow that's been exacerbated by skyrocketing costs and dwindling property values. Taylor Mayor Cameron Priebe, whose community has lost more than $10 million in state revenue sharing the past six years, says the tough conditions have caused city officials to turn to the Police Department for income.

"A portion of the tickets our officers write helps pay their salaries, but the rest is profit for the city," said Priebe, a former Taylor police officer. " 'Profit' may not be the right word to use in government, but that's pretty much what it is.

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[blue_onyx]

1. Interesting...thanks for posting

There's one trap in Livonia that wasn't listed in the map. The cops love to sit in the driveways of the Ford plant along Middle Belt between Plymouth and Schoolcraft. I see cops waiting there almost every time I pass by.

[maddogesq]

2. Yeah, they are really obvious too.

On Fidays, I pass by that on way to s/o's place. Traffic is heavy enough that day to prevent speeding, but I have seen them sitting there anyway lookng for TGIF tipsies. and they got some construction going on along there too.

[shaniqua6392]

3. Right before the Wonderland Mall!!

I see them there all the time too. They pulled my husband over last year as he went to work (4:00 a.m.) because his windows were a little frosted up on the sides. The cop gave him a bullshit ticket for "seatbelt violation" even though he had on his seat belt. He said he was doing him a favor so he would not get any points, but would have to pay a fine. Only a Livonia cop would pull over a poor guy driving a beat up 1995 Ford Escort on his way to work at the crack of dawn. Thanks for the heads up on the article. I will pass it along.

[Bozita]

4. Warning: Romulus PD has issued 10,000 tickets since July 1

video at link:
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/18147269/detail.html

Airport, Romulus Police Disagree On Patrols
POSTED: 6:49 pm EST November 25, 2008
UPDATED: 8:05 pm EST November 25, 2008

ROMULUS, Mich. -- Romulus police officers are being so aggressive that another police agency is warning drivers to be wary of a so-called “speed trap.”

Detroit Metropolitan police are outing Romulus officers who are pulling over drivers for speeding in the area of Interstate 94 around the airport.

"Under the bridge might be an unmarked Dodge Charger that’s there to nail you," said airport spokesman Mike Conway.

Conway said Romulus police are pulling over record-number of drivers in an effort to raise cash.

"To us, it’s more of a revenue generation for the city of Romulus than traffic safety enforcement," he said.

Conway said court records show the city has written 10,000 tickets since July 1st.

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