Decisions Behind Choosing Not to Give a Ticket: Insights from a Cop's Perspective

As a law enforcement officer, the decision to give or not give a ticket is a complex one that hinges on various factors. This article delves into the considerations behind choosely issuing a citation, providing a firsthand account of law enforcement discretion in traffic stops.

When Decisions to Not Issue a Ticket Occur

During my time as a cop, particularly in the late 1990s, I added my share of stories to the annals of law enforcement anecdotes. One notable incident was in 1992 or 1993 when I let off a four-year-old child riding a Big Wheel, driving without insurance. This was a unique and perhaps unusual case, but it exemplifies the discretionary nature of a cop's work when multiple factors come into play.

Throughout my career, I often let drivers off with just a warning rather than issuing a ticket. This was not a case of indifference but rather an assessment of the ethical and practical implications of each stop. Here are the primary reasons I chose to forgo issuing a ticket:

1. Driver is Courteous or Civil

When the driver is respectful and cooperative, issuing a ticket might not be necessary. In such cases, I believe a warning is sufficient to correct the behavior. The driver shows willingness to comply with the law without further enforcement measures.

2. Juvenile Driver

According to a 1992 or 1993 regulation, juvenile citations took longer to complete and did not count toward our monthly performance standard. Therefore, issuing a ticket for a juvenile could be both legally and practically challenging. As a result, warnings were the norm.

3. Sincere Apology and Financial Struggles

When drivers show sincere remorse and explain their financial difficulties, a citation might not be the most constructive option. In such cases, a warning can be more beneficial, as it allows the individual a chance to improve their situation without immediate financial burden.

4. Emergency Calls

Forcing a routine stop on someone who might need immediate assistance due to an emergency could jeopardize the situation. In these instances, a warning or no action at all might be more appropriate, as it ensures that the primary concern is addressed.

Impact on Overall Efficiency

While my role involved a mix of general patrol and occasional traffic stops, the frequency of issuing tickets varied based on the situation. The occasional traffic stop might not be as common as expected; sometimes, it was more about community engagement and less about written warnings.

Moreover, the instances where I did not issue a ticket often had a positive impact on the overall efficiency of my work. By not writing a citation, I could focus on more pressing matters or assist in solving crimes.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Choosing not to issue a ticket is a combination of legal and ethical considerations. From a legal standpoint, the rules and regulations must be followed, but from an ethical standpoint, the community's well-being and the individual's future are at stake.

By focusing on positive reinforcement and community outreach, law enforcement can foster a greater sense of responsibility and respect for the law among the general public.

Conclusion

Decisions to choose not to issue a ticket are multifaceted and depend on numerous factors, including the nature of the violation, the behavior of the driver, and the broader social and legal context. As a cop, I have learned that sometimes, a warning or no action at all can be more effective and compassionate than a strict citation.

Key Points

Legal and ethical considerations guide the decision-making process. Factors such as driver behavior, violation severity, and community impact play a significant role. Choosing not to issue a ticket can contribute positively to public trust and safety.

Keywords

traffic stop, police discretion, traffic violation