From the Chief's Office:
Citizen questions:
- Why does it seem like the Oak Ridge Officers are always writing tickets?
- What are they doing, trying to make money for the City of Oak Ridge?
The Purpose of Traffic Stops and Citations
The simple answer to why police officers issue traffic citations is to enforce state and local laws. However, there's a lot more to it than just that. Traffic stops are a critical tool for law enforcement, and they serve several important purposes:
-
Enforcing Laws and Improving Safety: Traffic citations, particularly for speeding, are a primary way to deter dangerous driving. Since 2017, the Oak Ridge Police Department has responded to numerous fatal accidents where excessive speed was a major factor. The department's increased focus on issuing citations has led to a decrease in excessive speeding, a reduction in the total number of accidents, and, most importantly, a decrease in fatal accidents. While many drivers say they "weren't paying attention" or were "in a hurry," officers typically allow for a grace period before issuing a citation, which means a driver has already exceeded the speed limit by a significant amount before being stopped.
-
Preventing and Solving Major Crimes: Traffic stops are also an effective way to identify and apprehend criminals. It may surprise you to know that approximately 50% of major offenders, including murderers, robbers, and rapists, are arrested during traffic stops. These stops give officers an opportunity to make contact with people in the city and identify individuals who may be involved in criminal activity. Officers also use traffic stops and high-visibility patrols to deter criminal elements from entering the city in the first place.
-
Addressing the "Cash Cow" Question: It's understandable that people may wonder if the city is trying to make money by writing a lot of tickets. The truth is, a large portion of every citation fine is paid to the state. The small amount of money the city retains from each citation goes toward covering the costs of the court, including salaries for the court clerk, judge, prosecutor, and bailiff.
Ultimately, the reason police officers issue tickets is to achieve compliance with state and city laws, to maintain a visible presence to deter crime, and to save lives.
If you have questions you would like the police to respond to, you can drop them off at City Hall or email ORPD@ci-or-tx.org.