[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

Bingo.

On a more serious note though, I've thought for awhile now that cops working on commission isn't such a bad idea. Back in Minnesota I suggested that off-duty or retired law enforcement officers might like the opportunity to pick up a few bucks on the side doing traffic enforcement, not on golf-cart paths but particularly on freeways and major roads where the scofflaws are omnipresent--and dangerous. There's no reason why it wouldn't work: after all the cops doing the enforcement would still be licensed peace officers and the and rules of evidence, fines, etc. would be the same as if you were nabbed breaking a law on a highway by a cop doing his or her regular shift.

It was greeted with, shall we say, something less than wild enthusiasm. But a surprising number of people thought it would be a good thing to do.

Terrible idea IMHO> The officer doing it will give tickets left and right never listen to an explanation and some would make up a reason in order to make more of a commission.