The following graph is from the JSO annual report from 2007 (see the report, here: http://www.coj.net/NR/rdonlyres/eee544zdttgvj2lc5e2cmff5tejyvt5hx66lhyp3l3xud7thdpouvd3cqvuhwrb3taf755l7gwufnzixghzjypz33rd/JSO_AR_2007.pdf ) on Page 13.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3626384086_a8f964fabb_o.jpg)
Apparently the lion's share of offenses were drug related.
But check out the number of people who are arrested for driver's liscense issues. 2000 or so.
that would be an average of 40 people a week I suppose. With the jail processing 50,000 people a year, one out of every 25 people arrested were arrested for drivers liscense issues.
Perhaps I am missing your point. Are you saying these suspects should not have been arrested?
Policing roadways is very expensive and is not included when discussing the cost of roads. It probably should be included to get an accurate picture of the true costs.
I bet responding to car accidents is one of JFRD's most common calls as well. Does anyone have stats on that?
The arrests that are addressed in the graph that Stephen Dare! reproduced are felonies. These crimes are not what most citizens think of when someone references "drivers license issues." Perhaps Stephen Dare! doesn't realize this as well. For instance, for a suspended drivers license (not financial responsibility "no insurance"), it takes the third offense before the crime becomes a felony. I don't think that the public would want felony cases like this or a "convicted DUI manslaghter" suspended DL turned loose.
Traffic violations are administrative in nature, and won't result in incarceration by themselves. Refusing to appear is a separate crime. Most other "criminal" (stuff you can go to jail for) traffic laws are misdemeanors (leaving the scene of an accident with property damage, for instance). Almost all drivers license crimes are misdemeanors. Only the very serious are felonies.
Quote from: NotNow on June 14, 2009, 07:57:20 PM
I don't think that the public would want felony cases like this or a "convicted DUI manslaghter" suspended DL turned loose.
Yet, according to the graph, there were only 75 felony charges brought against people in '07. Even if everyone who these charges were filed against lost their license and were caught driving without it subsequently, that still leaves over 2,000 charges filed for other license issues. I would much rather see those numbers increase on violent crimes, etc. And I've worked in insurance!
On a seprate note, someone needs to teach COJ that they should be making a bar graph, not some sort of mutated line graph...
You are misreading the information. ALL of the crimes listed are felony crimes. It is showing 75 felony (not misdemeanor) DUI's. Felony DUI's are those that result in injury or a few other parameters. The drivers license issues are also for felonies. Those would include the types of suspensions I listed earlier. Misdemeanor drivers license issues are not listed.
Marked Police units must generally work the crimes that occur in their presence or that they are dispatched to. Traffic is a part of that. Often, traffic stops lead to more serious arrests. Felony traffic crimes are very dangerous to the public and must be investigated and prosecuted.
This thread is intended to state that police are wasting efforts in enforcing minor crimes, IMHO. I am sure that Stephen Dare! misread the data as well, but I would not presume to speak for him. Drivers license issues and traffic are a daily part of the job of the street officer. JSO's arrest policies for traffic issues are designed to minimize arrests. As I have stated time and time again, DL's suspended for financial responsibility (no insurance) alone, are not arrested in Duval. State law requires notification of suspension to a driver, and drivers who have not been notified of suspension are not arrested as well. Officers do have some discretion in arresting misdemeanor suspensions only if the driver can be positively identified and there are not other complicating factors. I could go on for a page about the different variables, or reprint the actual operational order on traffic which small book length. Violent crime investigation is generally done in the Investigations division. If what is being suggested is to move manpower from patrol to investigations, I would point out that both divisions are seriously undermanned now. Refer to the Sheriff's manpower report:
http://www.coj.net/NR/rdonlyres/ea5gbrhpt5gx42itrtzqwkulh6z7ducr7bpeq4jwa2idrbqqj56xam6y43uywveaxwxoehmcnlr3aaho2ymxe23kdbh/Manpower+Presentation+june+08+FINAL++CR+072008.pdf
Once again, these are difficult subjects to address in a few paragraphs. Citizens have a unique opportunity to educate themselves through both the Citizens Police Academy and civilian ride alongs. I would encourage those that have strong opinions and/or suggestions to avail themselves of these opportunities. I believe that the Sheriff and certainly most Officers would agree with me in saying that we need all of the help from the citizens of Duval and surrounding counties that we can get.
NN, Keep up those traffic stops and arrests for "drivers license infractions"! 1. We are all more likely to be the victims of drunk, stoned, bad, mad, or distracted drivers than we are likely to a victim of a crime. 2. How someone drives gives some indication of their attitude towards their fellow citizens and the rules of society.
It would be interesting to see how many arrests for serious crimes and outstanding warrants result because someone was stopped for breaking the law while driving.
Do the ride along, folks. It is a real eye opener how much more often our police are "peace" officers than they are "law enforcement" officers. Tip of the hat!
I have tried to explain the subject to you several times. I have even tried typing slowly. I have given you factual information about these issues. I have quoted the Florida State Statutes that apply. I will not entertain your latest twist which is not something that I have ever stated (as you know). If you have something useful to add to the thread, then say it. If I am factually wrong, point out my error. I am trying to treat you in an adult fashion Stephen Dare! Can we skip the emotional and childish foot stomping tonight?