Re. “Traffic tickets are ALL about the money” by Chuck Savall, letters, Feb. 9
I couldn’t agree more with Chuck Savall about the traffic ticket issue. I am a retired shift supervisor from the Omaha 911 Emergency Center. I spent 25 years answering 911 calls, dispatching police, and fire/EMS. I have heard officers comparing their ticket totals as if it was a contest. But the real impetus behind it is the overtime.
In my area, the officer is paid four hours of court time (overtime) for any appearance, no matter how long they are there. If its a questionable ticket and the citizen pleads not guilty, then the officer gets his court time for the plea hearing and then again for the court appearance.
Another factor is what is called “pension spiking.” Their pension is figured on their highest one-year salary during their last five years of service. So their last year they write more tickets getting more court time which boosts their pension base.
Another factor is what is called “pension spiking.” Their pension is figured on their highest one-year salary during their last five years of service. So their last year they write more tickets getting more court time which boosts their pension base.


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