Targeted Enforcement
It’s #TrafficTipTuesday and Sgt. Eaton has some information about targeted enforcement:
“One of my main duties in the Traffic office is to work to keep our roadways safe. One of the ways to accomplish this is by something called “targeted enforcement.” This means, from time to time we will set up details specifically looking for a certain type of violation. A good example of this is the seatbelt detail I wrote about last week. We got a group of Deputies together and went out actively looking for folks not wearing a seatbelt. Violators were (generally) issued a citation and educated on the importance of wearing a seatbelt. Another example of targeted enforcement would be a DUI checkpoint. Some people, including one angry gentleman last week, feel like these details are a waste of county resources. In reality, these special details do not cost the county a single penny.
Every year, I apply for grant funding through the Maryland Highway Safety Office. Once received, these federal funds cover Deputies’ salaries as well as any special equipment we may need for those specific details. This means that Federal funds are used to keep impaired drivers from killing an innocent pedestrian…not county money.
A big misconception about traffic citations is where the payments go. Many people think the money comes back to the County. If you do end up getting a citation for aggressive driving, or (foolishly) not wearing your seatbelt, any fine that you pay goes directly to the State of Maryland general fund.
Another thing that people often ask about is quotas. Not only does the Sheriff’s Office not require quotas, but there is also actually proposed legislation in Annapolis which would make them illegal (Maryland HB 666). Deputies are working to ensure safe roads, not to fill any quotas.
So, the next time you are driving along texting with no seatbelt on after having consumed a few alcoholic beverages, know that all the fines you may incur will go straight to the state of Maryland.
As always, if you have a question or concern, please leave it in the comments below. Also, if you have a specific concern with unsafe driving in your area, such as speeding, drag racing, etc., give us a call, send an email, or reach out on social media. Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely
HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org
@hcsotrafficsgt on Instagram”