The federal bureaucrats are coming for us again. Their latest assault on free people and self government is to turn us into the kind of police state that exists in dictatorships such as Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, China and Iran.

In the so-called “interest of our safety” on the public streets, they want our law enforcement to adopt these measures:

• Quotas for tickets for speeding and other traffic violations.

Fortunately, most states have laws that prohibit forcing officers to meet ticket quotas.

Critics argue this is contrary to laws passed by Congress, state legislatures and the public through local referendum votes.

• Electronic speed limit signs that can raise or lower speed limits remotely.

• More traffic and speed enforcement cameras that are prohibited by state law, Other states allow red light cameras but prohibit speed cameras.

Our local law enforcement officials see such “gotcha” tactics as being counter-productive to publlc safety. They will make police officers look like the enemy, not the friendly people who protect us daily and often at their personal risk.

Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said, “Keeping county residents and those who visit safe is important. We routinely inform the public about roads where we’ve scheduled traffic patrols.

“We take enforcement action to encourage good driving habits. But enforcement is never to meet any quota tied to funding.

Our focus will always be preventing risky behavior rather than catching someone.”

Cameron Mortenson of the Lexington Police said, “There have not been any quotas or benchmarks proposed regarding the number of citations or warnings written by officers.”

Police know collisions occur when drivers disregard traffic signals, follow too closely, are distracted or speed.

They respond to complaints, conduct speed studies and enforce laws in those areas.

Encouraging drivers to remain alert, not heavy-handed tactics, will assure safer roads.

– Jerry Bellune

Alert drivers, not heavy-handed tactics, will ensure safer roads and streets.