NYPD Had Arrest Quotas to Fill

[Jermyn Davidson]

I have heard mentioned casually over the years that police have traffic stop quotas to fill monthly but I never really knew for sure if the quota talk had any truth to it.

Now not only am I sure there are traffic stop quotas, but it is confirmed that at least one city has arrest quotas!

Does that irk you?


http://news.yahoo.com/ny-police-offi...222416173.html

[n david]

I knew about the ticket quotas, but not about arrest quotas. It's especially bad if you live in a city which is incorporated.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by n david

I knew about the ticket quotas, but not about arrest quotas. It's especially bad if you live in a city which is incorporated.

It's shameful and sad. Arrest quotas! Who would have ever thought that to be true?

[Jermyn Davidson]

No potential for civil rights violations with arrest quotas in place, right?

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

No potential for civil rights violations with arrest quotas in place, right?

Seems a good idea to make sure the police aren't getting paid to ride around or eat doughnuts. I am very sure there are enough violators to meet both quotas - tickets and arrests. Go find 'em boys.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Seems a good idea to make sure the police aren't getting paid to ride around or eat doughnuts. I am very sure there are enough violators to meet both quotas - tickets and arrests. Go find 'em boys.

You don't see the potential for abuse in policy like that?

Did you read the article? The officer felt pressured to make arrests when his judgment could have lead him to do otherwise.

[n david]

On one hand, I agree with PO, it's good to make sure the officers are doing their job and not just driving around checking out the scenery. On the other hand, I do see the potential for abuse.

I think the lesson here is: be on your best behavior, when driving around towards the end of each month.

[Jermyn Davidson]

We can ensure the police are doing their jobs WITHOUT arrest quotas.

[n david]

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

We can ensure the police are doing their jobs WITHOUT arrest quotas.

Not sure I agree with arrest quotas. I could see the reason for citation quotas.

[Jito463]

In this case, I do agree with Jermyn that arrest quotas are not the way to go. Ensuring that officers are actually doing their job is one thing. Requiring them to arrest a certain number of people as a means to ensure it, is not the correct approach, however.