You know, as a chronic speeder, I probably will regret making this suggestion, but I am going to offer my opinion anyway. The Fort Wayne Police Department currently has two problems on it’s hands. First of all, the cops are pissed that Chief Dumbfuck is now making them pay for their take home cars. This is negatively affecting officer morale. The other problem is that the cops aren’t writing enough speeding tickets now. Evidently, the second problem is a direct result of the first one, as the officers seem to be purposely relaxing their ticketing as a protest against the new take home car policy.
What I propose in order to rectify the situation is that every time an officer issues a speeding ticket, they be given a one dollar credit towards the cost of their take home vehicle. Only three tickets per work day and they’ve got the entire cost covered. And all the revenue generated from those tickets should more than cover the cost of the cars.
If the program succeeds, perhaps it could be used as a model for other types of problems. Arrest a drug dealer, get a credit towards a new vest. Arrest a child molester, get a free day off with pay. The possibilities for truly incentivizing police activity in this town are endless.
I would also suggest we revisit the idea of putting advertising logos on the police cars to generate revenue. Previously I had argued against this because I thought it was demeaning to the professional image of the officers. However, now realizing that some of them actually don’t mind looking like clowns, I propose that we make the logos optional per each officer’s preference.
Those who want to drive a billboard around town could be allowed to keep a small percentage of the revenue themselves, while the rest of the money would go to pay for their new clubhouse.
Remember, it’s all about the incentive. If you want law enforcement, you’ve got to show them the money!
Phil:
ReplyDeleteI don't think any move towards "privatization" of any police department (or aspect OF that department) is a good idea (putting officers on a commission-based reward program...sounds like a uswed car salesman), although I will admit that having a sheriff deputize citizens to go out, form a posse and bring in a criminal (dead or alive) might hold a bit of intrigue for ME, personally.
Also, don't forget that the vast majority of LEOs really WANT to make a difference against crime.
And that, like our modern-day military are (and have always been) ALL-VOLUNTEER.
Perhaps for some, it IS about the "cha-ching", (get yer "20" and out) but so many more just want to honestly help their city, town, or community.
I have seen traffic stops all over the city, instead of the "usual" speed traps we USED to have. Perhaps Lt. Tony Maze is trying a different tactic, or perhaps his resources have been cut...
I'm not at HQ, and don't make policy, so I can't really say.
I thought that origianlly, the take-home car policy was due to HIGH FUEL costs...?
Perhaps it should "float" along with the prices, to be fair.
Higher prices = pay up.
Lower prices = no pay.
You've got to much politicking involved with police work these days anyway...but that's just *my* opinion.
Interesting propositions, though.
Good luck with those...LOL.
Stay safe.
Phil,
ReplyDeleteI have to disagree with your comments. Cops are human and of course they are going to be disgruntled about losing their take home car. Productivity will drop for awhile but will eventually climb back up. Cut them some slack.
Imagine that you had to work 8 hours a day and a paid hour of lunch was included in that 8 hours. Now imagine how you would feel if the company decided to make you work an extra hour to make up for your lunch time.
I know it is a special perk that most people don't get but it is hard to take away something that people have received for so long.
Anonymous;
ReplyDeleteThis particular post was made in jest, although I did take the opportunity to throw in a couple of sucker punches at the local police. Since you're not identifying yourself, I have no way of knowing how familiar you are with me or my situation.
I will say this. As a general rule, I have a lot of respect for law enforcement officers. Whenever I am in line at a restaraunt and a uniformed officer comes in behind me, I step back and let them go in front. I do the same thing if an on-duty EMT is there. Anyone who works to save others lives and sometimes jeaprodizes their own safety in doing so deserves this type of respect.
However, our local police department is very corrupt. Their official spokespeople regularly spew out worthless propoganda instead of genuinely engaging the citizens. And their Department of Internal Affairs is practically non-existant. While my experience with many of the lower ranking officers has been quite positive, they are not the ones who decide how the department is run.
When I say or imply that FWPD is worthless, I am speaking to people like Chief York, and many other members of the Command Staff.
So, this post was meant as a joke, and I think it is appropriate since the actions of those who run FWPD have made such a mockery of their duty to serve and to protect.
Bob;
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I will restate that I do believe that a vast majority of FWPD officers are devcent people who want to do the right thing. And I think many of them get frustrated at the way their efforts are sometimes thwarted by the administration.
But unless the police union is willing to take a no-confidence vote on Chief York to show this, then they implicate themselves in his misdeeds.