[Jim727]

The answer to that is pretty straightforward, John.

I respect the police when they are acting as law-enforcement officers; I don't respect a city administration when they compromise LEOs to use them as "revenooers". We have gang problems. We have violent crime problems. We have very valid things for the police to be doing rather than as undercover extortionists. Put them in places where red light running is rampant. Put them at intersections where accidents are common or gridlock happens. Get them out stopping graffiti and gang activity -- but DON'T turn them into "revenooers".

Sudden and unpublished speed-limit reductions are wrong. Shortening yellow lights is wrong (and dangerous). Pay-on-the-spot is wrong if not unconstitutional. Last, but not finally, towns abusing their LEOs in this way diminishes respect for LEOs and is just plain stupid. All for a buck. Rat 'em out and motivate them to use their LEOs properly.