Each year there are over 15,000 reported accidents in Minneapolis. The
yearly economic impact to the city and its citizens is approximately
$150,000,000. Approximately 30% of reported accidents are Hit & Runs.
Focused and aggressive traffic enforcement reduces the number of injuries
and fatalities, the end result of traffic accidents. As a by-product,
directed traffic enforcement reduces speeds on the roadways.
Agreed- the question is where this enforcement is taking place. I have repeatedly seen MPD traffic squads with single occupancy cars and trucks pulled over in the I394 sane lane. Putting aside the issue that it is the State Patrol's responsibility to enforce the law there and not Minneapolis', how is this contributing to the safety of Minneapolis citizens? The speed traps on the bridges aren't much more effective, and the safety hazard on Hiawatha is more red light runners than speeders.
It is no coincidence that the traffic unit expansion coincided with the city
's' budget woes. But to think that traffic tickets can fund the city out of
a finical shortfall is folly. Last year, MPD generated nearly $3.125
million dollars to the city's general fund as a result of criminal fines,
licensing violations and traffic tickets. While this figure is significant,
it is a small portion of the nearly $100 million dollar police budget.
So if we're losing money on traffic enforcement anyway, why not concentrate the enforcement where it will have maximum effect- in the 'hoods! The average gangbanger or crackhead is driving around with a couple lights out and probably missing a muffler too- a "rolling probable cause". We pull them over, typically find a few occupants with outstanding warrants, no licence, no insurance, etc.. We do find a few rocks and such on the occupants and vehicle though. Occupants jailed, car towed to the impound lot. Even if our "catch and release" courts turn loose the gangbangers, crackheads, etc.. they probably won't be able to get their car back. Our gangbangers and crackheads are now forced to do there crimes on foot, greatly reducing their predatory potential.
The expansion of the Traffic Unit is expected to double the number of that
unit's DWI arrests. Nearly every DWI is litigated and with 200-projected new
DWI cases a year, the city attorney's expenses may well offset any
financial gains by MPD.
Here in the 'hood you can usually add driving after suspension or revocation to the DWI charges, which will probably be felony level. And most of the perps will have only a public defender instead of a pricey hotshot DWI lawyer.
As an aside; for those who believe that the higher speed limits on Hiawatha
Avenue will result in "decriminalization" or a reduction of speeding along
the avenue, it has not. This weekend I worked along Hiawatha Ave as part of
a Safe and Sober detail (DWI suppression). Average speeds in the 40 MPH
zone were clocked at 52 MPH and above. Some were as high as 25 MPH over the
speed limit. I can assure you, these speed violators were not neglected.
I made several trips down Hiawatha in my Postal Service truck last weekend, and concur with your speed observations. The increased speed limits defy all logical rules of traffic engineering and create some new hazards as well. Particularily troubling was the sudden increase to 55 MPH northbound from 26th, just before a couple exit ramps (I94 and 3rd St./Washington) that due to sharp curves should be marked for 45 MPH but aren't. Someone's going to lay a big truck over in one of these curves, hopefully not carrying HazMat, and sue DOT bigtime for damages. What DOT has done here is post a road for freeway speeds that is nowhere up to freeway standards. The biggest problem with the increased limits will be at the intersections though- the yellows simply are not long enough for drivers to stop for the light at the higher speeds. DOT really needs to put up the flashing yellow "light about to change" signs a couple hundred yards before the intersection, but I suppose per usual a few lives will have to be lost before they take any action.
Traffic enforcement in the "hood" is a great idea. It works. Just ask your
precinct commanders to use this strategy.
Given that many city squads don't even seem to carry a ticket book I don't expect that to happen anytime soon. We need the traffic squads working the 'hoods too, using their specialized training and experience to spot infractions that the average officer might not notice. For example, hopefully traffic officers are familiar with the DOT commercial vehicle regulations- there's a bunch of stuff in their that can be used as well as the traditional charges against commercial vehicle drivers purchasing drugs and/or prostitutes in the 'hood.
hanging on in Hawthorne,
Dyna Sluyter
TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.)
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