[shreddr]

my next door neighbor (state cop) had a birthday party for his 5 years old daughter yesterday. i was there with my family, and he had his relatives and some cop friends as well. after they got liquored up (oh yeah, cops drink, ALOT) the truth starts to flow, and basically with all the state budget cuts they are all scared of losing their jobs (state and local) so the only way to justify their salaries is to bring in revenue. it takes too long to generate statistics (years) about how safety has improved or crime rate has gone down as a result of more cops, so the easy win for all of them is tickets. there was a blurb in the local paper how a recent local "campaign" had generated hundreds of tickets. a few DUI, but mostly bull**** like seatbelt, talking on the phone, improper documentation, parking and of course speeding. if you are operating any kind of motor vehicle, you are a potential revenue source.

in a slightly related way, a few of them were talking about how they are popping dirt bikers for riding some trails in north jersey. the best part is that the tickets are for: trespassing on state land, operating an unregistered/uninsured vehicle, operating unregistered vehicles on public roads. the big win? $1000 in fines, confiscation and impoundment of the motorcycle until fines are paid, storage fees, you get the picture. it was a clear reminder of why i quit dirt biking 20 years ago. it is all feeling a bit too Big Brother to me, expecially when the fox is guarding the henhouse....