Yet he says citations aren't written to curb accidents - but to help satisfy the public's appetite for action. But Sheriff's Department Lt. Ronald Benson says he's skeptical of the study. It also selects areas where studies show speeding or other traffic violations are common. But enforcement is greatly hampered.
Emergency calls take precedence over traffic duties for the police and sheriff's departments.
Ed Schlitz of the Tucson Police Department. Tucson's 40 traffic police officers have changed strategy since 1994 - and not for the better, they say. Before, enforcement was coordinated by a central commander, who monitored overall problems, says Schlitz. But in 1994, enforcement was decentralized, with each of four traffic divisions given autonomy, he says. Now, police often respond piecemeal to problem areas based on calls from citizens.