Traffic Tickets to Add Surcharge
This video is no longer available.
Processing crime scenes comes at no cost to local law enforcement thanks to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. But, the process costs the TBI millions of dollars that they do not have. Recently, they have been told that they must cut their yearly budget by $4 million. “Our proposal was actually to charge local law enforcement agencies $20 per exhibit or piece of evidence that they would bring to the crime lab for processing,” explained Kristin Helm, the spokesperson for the TBI. That could have bankrupted local budgets and slowed the justice process. The Municipal League instead has proposed legislation that would save 58 jobs in jeopardy, due to the budget cuts and continue the success of the TBI crime lab. “Without the aid of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, we could not do our job as affective,” said Madison County Sheriff David Woolfork. Starting July 1, an additional $13.75 will be tacked on to every traffic ticket written in Tennessee and if several violations are written on one citation, the fee is multiplied. “That’s gonna be up to the discretion of the courts. They could just charge one violation but in essence, it could be for all separate violations,” explained Sheriff Woolfork. “It’s going to a good cause, but it’s still coming out and hurting our pockets at the same time,” said Lamar Forman, a Jackson motorist. “As far as the crime labs, the TBI is already operating short handed, so I understand. If you don’t speed then it certainly won’t affect you,” said Sheriff Woolfork. The Jackson Police Department confirmed the extra $13.75 will not be added to speed cameras.
