NO MORE TICKET QUOTAS

Residents will be happy to learn that they should be seeing a reduction in the number of unfairly-issued tickets for small violations, such as cars that are double-parked, parked at expired meters, or parked in no-standing zones.

A New York State labor law was recently amended so that police officers can no longer be penalized if they don't meet a predetermined and arbitrary quota for tickets, summonses, arrests, or stops of individuals suspected of criminal activity within a specified period of time. The fear of being penalized for not meeting a quota had led officers to write tickets when it wasn't appropriate.

Quotas are eliminated for state, local, and general violations or crimes that merit a ticket or summons. Officers can now use their power of discretion and find other ways to correct the situation, such as simply admonishing someone.