New Fees May Mean Less Money For Police

New fees passed by the state mean police agencies could lose money for every ticket they write. Police agencies told Eyewitness News that they're not going to stop writing tickets because public safety is on the line.

However, after the new fees, if an officer writes a ticket for $154 the police agency will get a cut of about $20 to $30.

Police also said that wouldn't even cover the cost to send their cops to court.

Many drivers think that when they get pulled over, the money from the ticket goes straight into the city's coffers, but police say most of it doesn't.

If a driver contests their ticket in court, it may cost the agency more than they ever get for them.

When police pull over drivers, they say they hear it all. Including that they are just trying to get money from them, but police say that isn't true.

"When we issue a citation, we make a pittance of what the citation may be. If a ticket is $186 for running a red light, the city may get between $23 and $26 of that," said one officer.

And with a new state law, cities and counties will get even less. A portion of traffic tickets is now going to the Public Record's Modernization Trust Fund, which is another $5 to $10 cut from each ticket.

Proceeds are already divided up among everything from child welfare training to the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Trust Fund.

Alexander Gonzalez, who was caught not wearing his seat belt, thinks if he's going to be fined $100, it shouldn't go to Tallahassee.

"I live in Palm Bay, why not use the money that I just paid the ticket for in the town," he said.

Police and city managers across Brevard County say if someone contests a ticket and the officer is called into court, they often have to pay overtime to see it through.

However, police say that won't stop them from writing tickets.

"We are looking at modifying drivers' behaviors. We want to reduce crashes," said an officer.

Police say they also want drivers to know there is little financial incentive for them.

If a driver gets caught speeding more than 10 miles over the speed limit, the fine is almost $200 and nearly $160 of that will go to the state and about $40 goes to the city.

Source: WFTV.com