I have been asked numerous times in the past about troopers or even police officers in general having monthly ticket quotas. Many citizens believe there is a specific number of tickets a trooper must write before the end of the month or in a certain time frame. The answer is flat out no, we do not have quotas.

One of the Michigan State Police’s primary duties is to enforce traffic laws. However, we believe that by enforcing those laws, it will encourage better driving habits and create safer roads for all of us to travel on. In order for MSP to effectively enforce traffic laws, troopers can, and will write tickets. However, generally on a traffic stop, the trooper has discretion, the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation, whether to issue a citation (ticket) or to just give a verbal warning for the offense.

When making that decision, the trooper usually takes a number of things into account. The trooper will look at the severity of the offense, the person’s driving history, and any other circumstances, before deciding whether to issue a citation or give a verbal warning.

With that said, again, we do not have quotas. In fact, ticket quotas are forbidden under Michigan law. Under the Michigan Vehicle Code, MCL 257.750, it talks about ticket quotas:

Sec. (1) A police officer shall not be required to issue a predetermined or specified number of citations for violations of this act or of local ordinances substantially corresponding to provisions of this act, including parking or standing violations. A police officer’s performance evaluation system shall not require a predetermined or specified number of citations to be issued.

Sec. (2) A police officer shall not be entitled to any fees for issuing a citation. A police officer, judge, district court magistrate, or other person employed by the state or by a local governmental unit who violates section 749 or this subsection is guilty of misconduct in office and subject to removal from office.

This Michigan law clearly does not allow for ticket quotas or any benefits to officers for writing a certain amount of tickets. So when you see troopers or other officers out near the end of the month, they are just simply doing their job.

Ashley Simpson is a Community Service Trooper for the MSP Alpena Post. If you have a question for Trooper Simpson, you can email her at asktroopersimpson@gmail.com or mail them to Ask A Trooper, Michigan State Police – Alpena Post, 3283 W. Washington Ave, Alpena, MI 49707.