re: Basin Bridge Camera Tickets

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“We have to properly fund our criminal justice system,” said Miguez. “We want to make sure we deter crime in this state and make sure that we have a police presence.”

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quote:

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“The last thing we need to do is make sure that these funds go towards a private entity and not straight to our locals," Miguez said.

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I realize it’s fairly obvious that most traffic enforcement is all about revenue generation, but it’s kind of nuts to see a state senator straight up admit it. I mean.. is the priority reducing speed in the basin bridge or collecting revenue?

I think they could mitigate the impact to the local sheriffs by letting them keep revenue for tickets that they write. I mean, surely the cameras don’t prevent their officers from patrolling the highway. I can’t help but wonder if they’re more concerned that the cameras might actually be effective at reducing average speeds across the basin - making it a much less target-rich environment for the cops.

Not that I’m in favor of speed cameras in the first place. I’m not. I just think it’s a little crazy that law enforcement agencies are arguing that revenue is more important than safety.